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01-05-2015 | Review

Efficacy and safety of rituximab for myasthenia gravis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Raffaele Iorio, Valentina Damato, Paolo Emilio Alboini, Amelia Evoli

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 5/2015

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction caused by circulating antibodies specif ic for the post-synaptic acetylcholine receptor or, in a minority of cases, for the muscle-specific tyrosine-kinase and the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4. A wide range of symptomatic and immunosuppressive treatments is currently available for MG patients with variable outcome. However, most immunosuppressive treatments are characterized by delayed onset of action and in some cases are not sufficient to induce stable remission of the disease. Rituximab (RTX) is a chimaeric monoclonal antibody specific for the CD20 B-cell surface antigen. Recent studies have provided evidence that RTX may be an effective treatment for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) who are refractory to standardized immunosuppressive therapy. We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of RTX in myasthenia gravis considering the potential predictive factors related to patients’ response to RTX in this disease.

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Title: Efficacy and safety of rituximab for myasthenia gravis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Raffaele Iorio
Valentina Damato
Paolo Emilio Alboini
Amelia Evoli
Publication date: 01-05-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 5/2015
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-014-7532-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Efficacy and safety of rituximab for myasthenia gravis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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