Plasma exchange in myasthenia gravis: effect on anti-AChR antibodies and other autoantibodies

Acta Neurol Scand. 1986 Dec;74(6):486-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1986.tb07875.x.

Abstract

Plasma exchange (PE) was performed in 6 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies and other MG-correlated antibodies were quantified each day before, during and after PE. The antibody concentrations decreased during PE with a consisting increase between two exchanges. Repeated PE induced a transient decline in the AChR antibody concentration. The clinical improvement was maximal during the week after PE and correlated in time with increasing concentrations of AChR antibodies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / immunology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / immunology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / therapy*
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Receptors, Cholinergic