Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterised by the presence of acetylcholine receptor antibodies and by blocking the transmission of the signal in the neuromuscular junction causing muscle weakness. It can be associated with several autoimmune diseases and certain drugs, between them Etanercept an anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agent. A 42-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to methotrexate, was treated with adalimumab (ADA), a human monoclonal antibody against the TNF, in a dosage scheme of 40mg every 14days subcutaneously. The patient responded well to ADA therapy with sustained remission for 18months when she developed blurred vision and eyelid ptosis of the left eye. The diagnosis of ocular MG was made. ADA has been discontinued and she started a treatment with pyridostigmine showing an excellent response and complete remission within a 2-month period. This is the first report making an association of ADA and ocular MG. Thus, rheumatologists dealing with patients treated with TNF inhibitors should be aware of the possible development of neurological adverse events, among them MG.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.