Treatment of ocular myasthenia with corticotrophin. Issue 1 (February 1971)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gibberd, F. B.; Navab, F.; Smith, C. L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 34:Issue 1(1971)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 1971-02
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.34.1.11
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Nine patients with severe myasthenia gravis, including ocular symptoms, who did not respond to anticholinesterase therapy were given prolonged courses of corticotrophin. In all patients except one there was an initial deterioration, sometimes necessitating assisted respiration, followed by a marked improvement which persisted for many weeks and occasionally months. It is concluded that corticotrophin should be continued for at least two weeks as the onset of the remission might be delayed. Repeated courses or small maintenance doses prolonged the remission. Fluid retention and hypokalaemia were common unwanted effects but necessitated stopping the treatment in only one patient.