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Published on: June 14, 2024
Complement inhibition initiated recovery of a severe myasthenic crisis with COVID-19
Ulrich Hofstadt-van Oy1,2, Slobodan Stankovic3, Corinna Kelbel4
1Klinik für Neurologie, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Dortmund, Klinikum Westfalen, 44309, Dortmund, Germany. Ulrich.Hofstadt@klinikum-westfalen.de.
Abstract:
We report on a patient with refractory Myasthenia gravis with acetylcholine receptor antibodies with two prior myasthenic crises suffering from COVID-19 with rapid evolving weakness and respiratory failure. Respiratory failure developed and prolonged mechanical ventilation was necessary. After plasmapheresis, residual, severe generalized and bulbar weakness persisted. Complement inhibition with eculizumab was, therefore, introduced and lead to rapid recovery. In refractory myasthenic crisis individualised therapies could be successful.
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