Neuroimmunology

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies disrupt the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness that worsens with activity. MG subgroups are based on muscle weakness location, age, antibody type, and thymus pathology, with some patients experiencing severe, treatment-resistant symptoms. Biomarkers can indicate prognosis. First-line treatments include pyridostigmine for symptomatic relief and immunosuppressants like prednisolone and azathioprine. Thymectomy is recommended for certain patients. Second-line treatments include mycophenolate, rituximab, and others, with new therapies like complement and FcRn inhibitors showing promise. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are used for acute exacerbations. Supportive therapy, including adapted exercise, is crucial. In refractory cases, comorbidities and diagnosis accuracy should be reconsidered.

Dr Anthony Béhin (University Hospitals Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France) discusses his abstract on the safety profile of anti-FcRn drugs, in particular efgartigimod, and anti-complement drugs in the treatment of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases. The abstract ‘EPR-128 Safety Profile Overview of Efgartigimod Clinical Trials in Participants With Diverse IgG-Mediated Autoimmune Diseases’ was presented at the annual European Academy […]