Myasthenia Gravis
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition
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G70.0
DESCRIPTION
- Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterised by fluctuating motor weakness involving ocular, bulbar, limb, and/or respiratory muscles.
- The weakness is due to an antibody-mediated, immunologic attack directed at proteins in the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction (acetylcholine receptors or receptor-associated proteins).
- Consider this in patients with new onset weakness and fatiguability, particularly involving muscles of the eyes and those involved in swallowing.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Discuss both diagnosis and treatment with a specialist.
- Pyridostigmine, oral, 60 mg 5 times daily.
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Corticosteroids and azathioprine should only be used in consultation with a specialist.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Adult Hospital Level, 2020-4_Version 2.0_6 June 2025
Chapter 14 Neurological Disorders_14.13 Myasthenia Gravis