Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2020 | Myasthenia Gravis | Research article
Local use of dexamethasone in the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis
Published in: BMC Ophthalmology | Issue 1/2020
Login to get accessAbstract
Background
At present, patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) are typically treated with systemic drugs. We investigated the use of dexamethasone injected in the peribulbar region or extraocular muscle to treat patients with OMG.
Methods
Patients with OMG were given dexamethasone via peribulbar injection or direct injection into the main paralyzed extraocular muscles, once a week, for 4–6 weeks. The severity of diplopia, blepharoptosis, eye position, and eye movement were evaluated before and after treatment. The duration of follow-up time was ≥6 months.
Results
Among the 14 patients with OMG who received this treatment, mean age was 38.7 ± 29.7 years. After treatment, symptoms were relieved in 12 patients (85.7%), 1 patient (7.1%) had partial response to treatment, and 1 patient (7.1%) had no response. Two patients (14.2%) experienced symptom recurrence during the follow-up period.
Conclusions
Dexamethasone peribulbar or extraocular muscle injection is effective in the treatment of patients with OMG and may replace systemic drug therapy.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000038863, October 7, 2020.Retrospectively registered.