ANTIBODIES TO SKELETAL-MUSCLE IN MYASTHENIA-GRAVIS .3. RELATION WITH CLINICAL COURSE AND THERAPY

Fluctuations of anti skeletal muscle antibodies (AMA) were studied in relation to clinical changes and fluctuations in anti acetylcholine re ceptor antibodies (a-AChR). Forty-two patients with generalized myasth enia gravis were studied in clinical and serological follow-up during several years under various conditions. Results from this study demons trate that AMA fluctuate in strong relation to a-AChR, clinical course and immunosuppressive therapy. Thymomectomy resulted in an increase o r de novo appearance of AMA in 10 of the 12 patients who did not recei ve immunosuppressive medication.