Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange had no significantly different effects on mortality and complication rates in patients with MG or myasthenic crisis in an observational study.
Limited data are available from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to guide the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), in particular those with myasthenic crisis. Both intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasma exchange (PLEX) are commonly used, but their relative efficacy and safety have not been well studied. In view of the considerable difficulty of performing RCTs in this population, researchers compared the clinical effectiveness and costs of IVIG and PLEX in 1606 hospitalized patients (908 with MG, 698 with MG crisis) treated at their physician's discretion.
Adjusted mortality rates were not significantly different between IVIG and PLEX recipients (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–1.72). IVIG recipients ha…
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DisclosuresGrant / Research supportNIH NeuroBioBank; ALS Association; NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; FDA; Department of Defense
Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration
Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee
DisclosuresGrant / Research supportNIH NeuroBioBank; ALS Association; NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; FDA; Department of Defense
Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration
Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee