[Therapeutic efficacy and safety of tacrolimus for intractable myasthenia gravis: a report of 36 patients].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the efficacies and adverse events of low-dose tacrolimus in intractable myasthenia gravis (MG) patients during a long-term follow-up.

METHODS:

Tacrolimus was administered at 0.1 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) to 36 generalized or ocular MG patients at our department from November 2008 to December 2010. The efficacies of tacrolimus were assessed by the myasthenia gravis activities of daily living (MG-ADL) profile and the classification of Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA). And the adverse events of tacrolimus were monitored in each patient.

RESULTS:

(1) All patients were followed up for 7 - 23 months. Adverse events occurred in 6 patients (16.67%). (2) The myasthenic symptoms improved up to the levels of MG-ADL and MGFA in 24 patients (66.67%). There was notable statistical significance in the comparison of clinical status at pre- and post-treatment (P = 0.000). (3) The efficacies in patients with generalized MG were better than those with ocular MG (P = 0.032). (4) The average blood trough levels of tacrolimus were lower than the recommended maintenance range from other countries in 24 effective patients.

CONCLUSION:

The administration of tacrolimus induces symptomatic improvements in MG patients especially in generalized type. And the adverse events should be closely monitored.

• Authors: Hui-yu Feng, Wei-bin Liu, Li Qiu, Xin Huang, Ru-xun Huang
• Journal: Zhonghua yi xue za zhi (Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi) Vol. 91 Issue 45 Pg. 3190-2 (Dec 06 2011) ISSN: 0376-2491 [Print] China
• PMID: 22333101 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myasthenia Gravis (drug therapy)
• Tacrolimus (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Young Adult