ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the research on tacrolimus (FK-506) in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and provide support on clinical treatment. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP database were searched with time ranging from inception of databases to November 30, 2017. Endnote X7 was used to make statistical analysis of the publishing year, journal names, authors and research institutions, literature types, research contents and cited frequency. RESULTS: A total of 184 articles from 18 countries were included. Types of literature: (100 articles, 54%) case discussions (41 articles, 22.2%), reviews (43 articles, 23.2%). First articles were published in 1990. Researches were mainly conducted in Japan. The most frequency was 61. Tacrolimus is a second-line treatment for the long-term treatment of myasthenia gravis. It is suitable for patients with poor response or intolerance to conventional immune preparations. CONCLUSION: Japan plays an important role in tacrolimus research. Tacrolimus has low oral bioavailability, large individual differences, and many drug interactions. Myasthenia gravis treatment should be based on therapeutic drug monitoring to reduce adverse reactions.