Plasmapheresis in the treatment of myasthenia gravis

Abstract

Between 1978 and 1980, 10 patients with myasthenia gravis underwent treatment by plasmapheresis. Of these, 7 responded to plasma exchange. Pre- and post-exchange anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody concentrations were found to be a useful parameter for intraindividual comparisons, but failed to correlate with the stage of the disease. Anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody assays cannot be replaced by determinations of IgG and globulin concentrations. In view of the potential risks and of the high cost factor, plasmapheresis should be reserved for particularly severe cases for obtaining transient clinical improvement in life threatening situations.