Double filtration plasmapheresis combined with glucocorticoid treatment for myasthenia gravis：symptom remission and variation of immune antibodies / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Double filtration plasmapheresis is an effective means for treatment of myasthenia gravis in recent years. There are many mechanisms underlying double filtration plasmapheresis for treatment of myasthenia gravis, but there is no unified understanding. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the clinical effect of double filtration plasmapheresis combined with glucocorticoid treatment for myasthenia gravis. METHODS:A total of 46 patients diagnosed as having advanced myasthenia gravis who were consecutively admitted were enroled and randomized into experimental group (n=26) and control group (n=20). Patients in the control group received glucocorticoid treatment, and those in the experimental group received double filtration plasmapheresis combined with glucocorticoid treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The titers of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody in the two groups were both decreased significantly after treatment (P < 0.05), especialy in the experimental group (P < 0.01); but the IgA and IgM clearance rate in the experiment group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The quantitative myasthenia gravis score, symptom remission time, in-hospital time in the experimental group were al significantly less than those in the control group (P < 0.01). What’s more, the total effective rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group. The double filtration plasmapheresis combined with glucocorticoid treatment for myasthenia gravis is safe and effective that can effectively remove the anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody, IgA and IgM.