Treatment of myasthenia gravis with mycophenolate mofetil: a case report

Current Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most extensively studied antibody-mediated disease in humans. Substantial progress has been made in the treatment of MG in the last century, resulting in a change of its natural course from a disease with poor prognosis with a high mortality rate in the early 20th century to a treatable condition with a large proportion of patients attaining very good disease control. This review summarizes the current treatment options for MG, including non-immunosuppressive and immunosuppressive treatments, as well as thymectomy and targeted immunomodulatory drugs.

Understanding the burden of refractory myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody-mediated disease that compromises the acetylcholine receptors or associated structures of the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. This leads to impaired neuromuscular transmission and subsequent fluctuating fatigability and weakness of ocular, bulbar, and limb skeletal muscles. Over the past few decades, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the disease pathophysiology and improvements in prognosis due to intensive care medicine and immunomodulation. Despite this, an estimated 10–20% of patients with MG do not achieve an adequate response, are intolerant to conventional treatment, or require chronic treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins or plasma separation procedures. Such patients are regarded as having MG that is ‘refractory’ to treatment and may represent a distinct clinical subgroup. Because the majority of patients with MG have well-controlled disease, the burden of illness in the minority with refractory disease is poorly understood and may be underestimated. However, clinically these patients are liable to experience extreme fatigue, considerable disability owing to uncontrolled symptoms, and frequent myasthenic crises and hospitalizations. Both acute adverse effects and an increased risk of comorbidity from treatment regimens may contribute to reduced quality of life. As yet, little is known concerning the impact of refractory MG on mental health and health-related quality of life. This review aims to highlight the burden of disease and unmet needs in patients with refractory MG.

Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

Objective:

To review published literature evaluating the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG).

Data Sources:

Searches of MEDLINE (1966–August 2005) and Cochrane Database (1993–August 2005) were conducted. Studies conducted in humans and published in English were retrieved. Additional data were identified through subsequent bibliographic reviews.

Data Synthesis:

Interruption of T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation in various autoimmune diseases has been investigated. Mycophenolate is known to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation and has shown improved clinical responses in several autoimmune diseases including lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic vasculitis. Data suggesting similar benefits in MG treatment have been reported in case reports, retrospective analyses, an open-label trial, and a randomized, double-blind trial.

Conclusions:

Limited evidence from retrospective analyses and clinical trials suggests that mycophenolate is a possible treatment option for patients with MG. Improvement in clinical symptoms and a steroid-sparing effect have been reported when mycophenolate is used in this patient population. Larger, randomized, controlled, and comparative trials are needed to establish optimal dose, time to effect, specific therapeutic role, and long-term safety for mycophenolate when used for treating MG.

Guidelines for treatment of autoimmune neuromuscular transmission disorders

BACKGROUND

Important progress has been made in our understanding of the autoimmune neuromuscular transmission (NMT) disorders; myasthenia gravis (MG), Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) and neuromyotonia (Isaacs' syndrome).

METHODS

To prepare consensus guidelines for the treatment of the autoimmune NMT disorders, references retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were considered and statements prepared and agreed on by disease experts.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticholinesterase drugs should be given first in the management of MG, but with some caution in patients with MuSK antibodies (good practice point). Plasma exchange is recommended in severe cases to induce remission and in preparation for surgery (recommendation level B). IvIg and plasma exchange are effective for the treatment of MG exacerbations (recommendation level A). For patients with non-thymomatous MG, thymectomy is recommended as an option to increase the probability of remission or improvement (recommendation level B). Once thymoma is diagnosed, thymectomy is indicated irrespective of MG severity (recommendation level A). Oral corticosteroids are first choice drugs when immunosuppressive drugs are necessary (good practice point). When long-term immunosuppression is necessary, azathioprine is recommended to allow tapering the steroids to the lowest possible dose whilst maintaining azathioprine (recommendation level A). 3,4-Diaminopyridine is recommended as symptomatic treatment and IvIG has a positive short-term effect in LEMS (good practice point). Neuromyotonia patients should be treated with an antiepileptic drug that reduces peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (good practice point). For paraneoplastic LEMS and neuromyotonia optimal treatment of the underlying tumour is essential (good practice point). Immunosuppressive treatment of LEMS and neuromyotonia should be similar to MG (good practice point).

Mycophenolate mofetil for myasthenia gravis: a clear and present controversy

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been used to treat myasthenia gravis (MG) for over 10 years. MMF's use in the MG population stems from its theoretical mechanism of action and the medical literature that supports its benefit in MG patients. Recently, two large, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials were initiated to study the effectiveness of MMF for MG. One of these studies found no benefit in taking MMF with 20 mg of prednisone as compared to taking prednisone alone, while the other study demonstrated no advantage in taking MMF against placebo during a 36-week prednisone taper. This article critically reviews the medical literature on MMF's use in MG and suggests further research avenues on this topic.

Mycophenolate mofetil substitution for cyclosporine-dependent myasthenia gravis and nephrotoxicity

Severe autoimmune myasthenia gravis is difficult to manage and may require immunosuppression with cyclosporine. However, cyclosporine dependency is associated with the risk of nephrotoxicity. Mycophenolate mofetil is a non-nephrotoxic alternative which should be considered to rescue cyclosporine-dependent, severe myasthenia gravis sufferers with renal impairment from progression to end-stage renal failure. However, the evidence is limited and studies have not assessed the outcome of a direct substitution in these cyclosporine-dependent patients. We study three such patients who successfully converted to mycophenolate mofetil, and briefly examine the evidence behind this option. We believe that total cyclosporine withdrawal is feasible, but strongly recommend overlapping mycophenolate mofetil treatment with cyclosporine.

Guidelines for the treatment of autoimmune neuromuscular transmission disorders

Important progress has been made in our understanding of the cellular and molecular processes underlying the autoimmune neuromuscular transmission (NMT) disorders; myasthenia gravis (MG), Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) and neuromyotonia (peripheral nerve hyperexcitability; Isaacs syndrome). To prepare consensus guidelines for the treatment of the autoimmune NMT disorders. References retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were considered and statements prepared and agreed on by disease experts and a patient representative. The proposed practical treatment guidelines are agreed upon by the Task Force: (i) Anticholinesterase drugs should be the first drug to be given in the management of MG (good practice point). (ii) Plasma exchange is recommended as a short-term treatment in MG, especially in severe cases to induce remission and in preparation for surgery (level B recommendation). (iii) Intravenous immunoglobulin (IvIg) and plasma exchange are equally effective for the treatment of MG exacerbations (level A Recommendation). (iv) For patients with non-thymomatous autoimmune MG, thymectomy (TE) is recommended as an option to increase the probability of remission or improvement (level B recommendation). (v) Once thymoma is diagnosed TE is indicated irrespective of the severity of MG (level A recommendation). (vi) Oral corticosteroids is a first choice drug when immunosuppressive drugs are necessary in MG (good practice point). (vii) In patients where long-term immunosuppression is necessary, azathioprine is recommended together with steroids to allow tapering the steroids to the lowest possible dose whilst maintaining azathioprine (level A recommendation). (viii) 3,4-diaminopyridine is recommended as symptomatic treatment and IvIg has a positive short-term effect in LEMS (good practice point). (ix) All neuromyotonia patients should be treated symptomatically with an anti-epileptic drug that reduces peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (good practice point). (x) Definitive management of paraneoplastic neuromyotonia and LEMS is treatment of the underlying tumour (good practice point). (xi) For immunosuppressive treatment of LEMS and NMT it is reasonable to adopt treatment procedures by analogy with MG (good practice point).

Inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibition by mycophenolic acid impairs maturation and function of dendritic cells

BACKGROUND

The mechanism of action of mycophenolic acid (MPA) has been described as a blockade of inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and is thought to selectively influence T- and B-lymphocytes due to their strong dependency on guanine nucleotides synthesized via the de novo purine synthesis pathway. Recent evidence suggests MPA to affect antigen-presenting cells.

METHODS

Using CD14+ derived human dendritic cells (DC) we have investigated the effects of MPA on differentiation, maturation and function and studied intracellular nucleotide content and IMPDH activity.

RESULTS

GTP content and IMPDH activities of DC were strongly and dose-dependently decreased when MPA was present during the entire culture period or was added after the fifth (immature DC) or the seventh (mature DC) day of culture. Concurrent to low GTP levels, a dose-dependent reduction in the expression of CD80, CD86, CD40, CD54 and CD83 was seen which was accompanied by a decreased capacity of DC to stimulate T-cells. Our data for the first time shows a direct effect of MPA on the maturation and function of human CD14+ derived DC, indicates a role of IMPDH and a dependency on the de novo purine synthesis pathway.

Severe Skin Reaction Related to Mycophenolate Mofetil for Myasthenia Gravis

The authors report the development of a papulosquamous psoriatic-like skin eruption following the introduction of mycophenolate mofetil (MM) in a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG). MM is a novel and potent immunosuppressive agent that blocks purine synthesis, thus selectively inhibiting T and B lymphocyte proliferation. Favorable results in refractory and steroid-dependent MG patients have been reported in open-label studies, revealing a rapid onset of action and a safe side effect profile. Drug eruption due to toxicity or immune-mediated damage has not been reported in association with MM. A 32-year-old man with generalized seropositive MG with a highly malignant clinical course was admitted to the authors' department due to an acute papulosquamous, psoriatic-like skin eruption 1 month following treatment initiation with MM. Skin biopsy revealed sparse perivascular infiltrate of lymphocytes intermingled with few eosinophils. Treatment with high-dose steroids together with discontinuation of MM induced a gradual improvement, with complete resolution of the symptoms 2 months later. A severe and fulminant skin eruption in association with MM treatment is described for the first time in the literature. The histopathologic diagnosis of "drug eruption" is supported by the resolution of symptoms following discontinuation of MM. However, other possibilities include an immune-mediated process supported by the presence of lymphocytic infiltrations, the clinical appearance and the distribution of lesions (simulating a psoriatic-like dermatitis), as well as the marked response to steroids.

Mycophenolate in treatment-resistant inflammatory neuropathies

There has been an increasing interest in the use of mycophenolate as an immunomodulatory drug in neuromuscular diseases. We report five consecutive patients with treatment-resistant chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy or multifocal motor neuropathy who were treated with mycophenolate. None showed clinically significant benefit. The use of mycophenolate did not result in the reduction in the dose of corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive agents in any patient. Side-effects, although not serious, were troubling enough for two patients to stop mycophenolate.

Treatment of myasthenia gravis: current practice and future directions

Myasthenia gravis is the best understood of the autoimmune diseases and a number of treatments are currently used to produce clinical improvement. However, due to the scarcity of evidence-based and comparative data, there is still no consensus on many therapeutic issues. Even a widely accepted treatment like thymectomy has never been proven effective by a well-designed trial. These are just some of the unanswered questions: What is the best treatment algorithm and safest long-term management of myasthenia gravis? What patients are likely to benefit from thymectomy? How long should myasthenia gravis patients be treated? Is it possible to discontinue immunotherapy once remission has been achieved? What are the risks associated with long-term immunosuppression? In this article, we review current therapeutic strategies and these unresolved questions about myasthenia gravis treatment.

Mycophenolate mofetil in the therapy of polymyositis associated with a polyautoimmune syndrome

Mycophenolate mofetil 1.5 g daily (30 mg/kg body weight) was given to a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, and severe refractory polymyositis after conventional treatment regimes had failed. No severe side effects occurred. Considerable improvement of clinical symptoms and electromyographic findings were seen within 6 months after the initiation of mycophenolate mofetil, allowing for tapering and discontinuation of methylprednisolone. Mycophenolate mofetil may be considered as an useful alternative in the treatment of polymyositis when standard therapeutic regimens fail.

Advances in myasthenia gravis

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) are reviewed. Increased awareness about the need for more uniform methods of reporting treatment trials for MG has prompted systematic review of the literature and inspired an effort to develop better classifications and disease-specific outcome measures. New antibodies have been discovered in patients with seronegative MG, possibly defining an immunologically distinct form of the disease. A new immunosuppressant, mycophenolate mofetil, may be an additional and safe option in the treatment of MG. Other work supports the possibility of developing a vaccine against MG suitable for trial in humans.

Myasthenia gravis: options and timing of immunomodulatory treatment

The autoimmune pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis is relatively well understood. The current options for treatment of this disease are acute and long term immunotherapies, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and thymectomy. Many factors influence the timing of initiation of immunomodulatory therapy in myasthenia gravis and both disease factors, such as stage and severity, and patient factors, such as age, pregnancy and intercurrent illness, must be considered. Decisions regarding the choice of therapy can be difficult because of the limited number of randomised controlled trials that have been performed in myasthenic patients. In general, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors alone are used only in mild ocular disease, and in the majority of other patients immunomodulatory therapy is begun early. Corticosteroids are the most commonly used initial therapy, followed by azathioprine. In refractory cases, the available options include immunosuppressants such as cyclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide. Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin are important in the treatment of acute exacerbations and myasthenic crisis and in the perioperative setting. Despite many years of experience, the role of thymectomy in improving long term outcome in nonthymomatous myasthenia gravis remains controversial.

Mycophenolate (CellCept) treatment of myasthenia gravis, chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy and inclusion body myositis

We report favorable results of the long term use of mycophenolate in the treatment of three patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), two patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), one patient with secondary polymyositis (PM), and one patient with inclusion body myositis (IBM). Side effects were mild. Mycophenolate appears to be a useful addition to the armamentarium of immunosuppressants for treatment of chronic immunologically mediated neuromuscular diseases.