Retrospective analysis of the use of cyclosporine in myasthenia gravis

Neurology. 2000 Aug 8;55(3):448-50. doi: 10.1212/wnl.55.3.448.

Abstract

The authors reviewed the records of patients with myasthenia gravis who took cyclosporine for at least 6 months between November 1987 and January 1999. Of 57 patients who took cyclosporine for an average of 3.5 years, 55 (96%) had clinical improvement. The median time to best clinical response was 7 months. Corticosteroids were discontinued or decreased in 95% of 38 patients taking them. Major side effects included elevated serum creatinine (28%) and malignancy (11%). Five percent could not afford or tolerate the drug.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine