Treatment of myasthenia gravis with methylprednisolone pulse: a double blind study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of one single intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) pulse therapy in myasthenia gravis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a double blind placebo controlled study (2+2 g IVMP vs placebo) in patients with moderate MG. RESULTS: A mean increase in muscle function of 27 points was found in the treatment 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 showed a positive treatment response. The mean duration of improvement after IVMP was 8 weeks (range 4-14 weeks). No severe side effects were found. Acetylcholine receptor antibody concentrations were unchanged in spite of the positive treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a single IVMP treatment is efficacious and safe in the treatment of moderate MG.