TREATMENT OF MYASTHENIA-GRAVIS WITH METHYLPREDNISOLONE PULSE - A DOUBLE-BLIND-STUDY

Objectives - To evaluate the efficacy and safety of one single intrave nous methylprednisolone (IVMP) pulse therapy in myasthenia gravis. Mat erial and methods - We performed a double blind placebo controlled stu dy (2+2 g IVMP vs placebo) in patients with moderate MG. Results - A m ean increase in muscle function of 27 points was found in the treatmen t group after one IVMP pulse as compared with a 0.7 point increase in the placebo group (P < 0.01). In the IVMP group 8 of 10 patients showe d a positive treatment response. The mean duration of improvement afte r IVMP was 8 weeks (range 4-14 weeks). No severe side effects were fou nd. Acetylcholine receptor antibody concentrations were unchanged in s pite of the positive treatment response. Conclusions - We conclude tha t a single IVMP treatment is efficacious and safe in the treatment of moderate MG. (C) Munksgaard 1998.