Intravenous Immune Globulin Treatment Compared to Placebo in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis
Intravenous Immune Globulin Treatment Compared to Placebo in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis
This study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to determine
 whether IVIG is effective in improving motor scores in patients with myasthenia gravis and
 worsening weakness.
Patients aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) and worsening
 weakness were enrolled in the study after providing informed consent. Fifty-two patients were
 recruited to the study, but one withdrew consent prior to starting so that 51 patients were
 recruited. Baseline clinical assessments using the Quantitative MG Score for Disease Severity
 (QMGS) were repeated at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment with IVIG or saline infusion. The
 Post-Intervention Status was assessed at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. The treatment was
 randomized and double-masked. Electrophysiological and immunological tests were done at
 baseline and after 2 weeks. Baseline characteristics were compared by the Student's t test
 for continuous variables or Chi-square test for categorical variables. An analysis of
 covariance was performed for the primary outcome measure, the change in QMGS.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  age > or equal to 18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of myasthenia gravis and
 worsening weakness

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  age <18; severe myasthenia gravis requiring intensive care admission; change in
 immunosuppresive medication in previous 3 months; patients with severe bulbar weakness
 at risk for aspiration and respiratory failure; patients with other serious underlying
 medical conditions (renal failure, congestive heart failure); unwilling to provide
 informed consent.