Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment in the Management of Myasthenic Crisis: Case Report

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease affecting primarily postsynaptic junction. It is characterized by the weakness and fatigability of voluntary muscles. Acute exacerbations may be life-threatening because of respiratory failure or swallowing difficulties. A 24 year old male patient who had weakness and tiredness for about 4-5 months, was admitted to the intensive care with respiratory failure and difficulty in swallowing. Myasthenia gravis was diagnosed with future investigations. The patient who was admitted to our hospital for IVIG treatment stayed 28 days in Intensive-care unit (ICU) and patient was transferred for thymectomy to another medical center. In this case, the management of a patient who was diagnosed as myasthenia gravis after admission to ICU, with respiratory failure and pnemonia, factors affecting myasthenic crisis and acute attack treatment were discussed.