[Photopheresis--anew method for treatment of myasthenia]

Photopheresis with blood lymphocytes UV radiation exposure was for the first time used in the treatment of patients with myasthenia. Twenty-three patients with generalized form of the disease, aged 23-66 years, were treated. Twenty patients (87%) exhibited clinical improvement after a treatment course (4 sessions). One photopheresis session was shown to be more or less beneficial in 16 out of 23 patients (70%). The treatment resulted in strengthening of all the muscles studied, especially of mimic, platysma, biceps, deltoid, illiopsoas and gastrocnemius. Photopheresis was effective not only in a mild and moderate but in severe form of myasthenia as well. Compared to plasmapheresis, photopheresis exerts a more prolonged effect. Clinical improvement correlated with positive changes in immune status of the patients.