Prakt. Lékáren. 2019; 15(2e): e21-e29 [Klin Farmakol Farm. 2018;32(2):8-12]

The role of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis

Jiří Piťha

Centrum myasthenia gravis při neurologické klinice 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease with antibody production against certain proteins on the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular
disorder, particularly the acetylcholine receptor. As a result, there is a manifestation of muscle weakness and fatigue. The treatment
consists in the administration of symptomatic drugs, but influencing the immunopathogenesis of the disease, however, lies in the long-term
administration of immunosuppressive agents or immunomodulators. This treatment may be nonspecific with the reduction of autoreactive B or T lymphocytes or specific by monoclonal antibodies that target cell surface features. Treatment is chronic, with the aim of inducing clinical
remission. Impaired urgent states (myasthenic crisis) are being treated acutely. Some drugs may adversely affect neuromuscular transmission
and thereby manifest latent illness or worsen the course of the disease.

Keywords: myasthenia gravis, treatment, cholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressants, biological therapy

Published: June 20, 2019  Show citation