Treatment of a patient with myasthenia gravis using antibodies against CD25.

OBJECTIVES

To measure clinical and immunological parameters in a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) treated with antibodies against CD25 (basiliximab, Simulect). Patient and methods - Injections of basiliximab were given repeatedly together with cyclosporin A and corticosteroids for 9 months to a patient with severe MG. Her muscle function score was monitored and the immunological parameters were followed using ELISA, flow cytometry and radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

The patient improved moderately and corticosteroid treatment could be withdrawn. The percentage of activated CD4+ T cells decreased during treatment, while that of 'naïve' T cells increased. The serum levels of sCD28, sCD152, sCD80, sCD86 and IL-10 decreased. The treatment was stopped due to repeated infections.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with basiliximab appears to be suitable only for severely ill patients who do not respond to conventional treatments. However, careful monitoring of side effects is necessary.