Staphylococcal protein A (SPA) has a high affinity for
human immunoglobulin, and SPA immunoadsorption can specifically reduce the titer of
autoantibodies and quickly relieve the clinical symptoms of
myasthenia gravis (MG). Recent studies have suggested that immunoadsorption has better
clinical efficacy and a lower
incidence of adverse reactions than
plasma exchange. A case of refractory MG with poor response to
corticosteroids,
intravenous immunoglobulins and
immunosuppressive therapy was reported. The
patient had low immune function and progressive pulmonary
infection in the later stage of the
disease.
Respiratory muscle weakness was relieved quickly after four times of immunoadsorption
therapy. The value of immunoadsorption in the
treatment of refractory MG was explored with
literature review.