Anaphylactoid reaction to immunoadsorptive membrane in a patient with myasthenia gravis

Extracorporeal adsorption therapy has been carried out clinically in cases of myasthenia gravis (MG) since the 1980s without any major complications. Despite a lack of clinical evidence, it has been accepted as a potential therapy for steroid-resistant patients in many institutes. Recently, we experienced a case of MG with an anaphylactoid reaction during extracorporeal immunoadsorption therapy. A 64 year old women with MG showed an anaphylactoid reaction immediately after the initiation of adsorption therapy using a polyvinylalcohol gel column. It is therefore important to bear in mind that extracorporeal adsorption therapy could trigger an anaphylactoid reaction, which may induce a MG crisis.