A case report of COVID-19 in refractory myasthenia: Outcome with remdesivir and dexamethasone

Abstract

Rationale:Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and its complications due to chronic immunosuppression. COVID-19 infection can also increase the risk of myasthenia exacerbation.Patient concerns:The patient presented with respiratory distress, fever and chills and was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. His past medical history includes seropositive generalized MG diagnosed in 2019, hypertension, atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure with reduced ejection failure.Diagnoses:Refractory seropositive generalized MG having COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory failure (needing mechanical ventilation) with sepsis.Intervention:Use of intravenous remdesivir and dexamethasone and patient's myasthenic exacerbation (due to COVID-19 and its complications) was successfully treated with plasmapheresis.Outcomes:Patient was successfully weaned off ventilator to trach collar and was discharged to inpatient rehabiliation. He was followed up 1 month post hospital discharge and was on trach collar.Lessons:This case report illustrates early use of the combination therapy might be beneficial in refractory myasthenia gravis cases even with chronic immunosuppression and severe COVID-19 infection.