[Myasthenia gravis. Indications, aims and methods of intensive therapy]

Some recent views on pathophisyology of "myasthenia gravis" are presented. The Authors explain the typical damage of myasthenia gravis, i.e. the progressively reduced muscolar function on the basis of an autoimmune derangement affecting the motor-end plates. The most commonly used types of treatment, both medical (i.e. antiChE, A.C.T.H., steroids and immunodepressant drugs) and surgical (thymectomy) are reviewed. The very important role of Intensive Care for the treatment either of myasthenia gravis "per se" or of possible consequences of some drugs (A.C.T.H. steroids) is also stressed. Finally the Authors present their results about their experience on 36 patients affected by myasthenia gravis and admitted to I.C.U. once (29 patients) or twice or more (7 patients). The Authors describe some practical problems presented by patients during their stay in I.C.U.