Dynamics of acetylcholine receptors antibody titer in myasthenia gravis

Abstract

The aim was to examine the longitudinal association between myasthenia gravis clinical severity and concentration of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies to evaluate if AChR-antibody variations correlate to disease severity. Material and Methods. Antibodies were determined by enzyme immunoassay. The International Clinical Classification (MGFA) was used to grade the severity of the disease. The level of antibodies was compared with the severity of the condition and the form of the disease at the stage of diagnosis in 65 patients, as well as in repeated studies in 26 patients. Results. The titer of AChR-antibodies did not correlate with the severity of the condition, however, a direct relationship between the change in the level of acetylcholine receptor antibodies and the change in the clinical state during the course of the disease was obtained. Conclusion. Repeated AChR-antibody measurements will help to predict the clinical state of the patient and can be used to correct immunosuppressive therapy.

Keywords

• acetylcholine receptor antibodies
• dynamics
• immunoassay method