Rituximab in Late-Onset Myasthenia Gravis is Safe and Effective.

INTRODUCTION Late-onset myasthenia gravis (LOMG; onset >50 years) has different therapeutic decision-making challenges than MG in younger patients. METHODS This is a retrospective series of seven patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG, treated with rituximab. RESULTS The mean age of onset was 66 years. Three patients were non-responders to previous therapy and six had developed side effects to prednisone. All patients were treated with at least one dose of rituximab. MG Foundation of America Post-Intervention Status (MGFA-PIS) ranged from MM-0 to MM-3 within mean 18.5 weeks. All patients were able to reduce or discontinue maintenance medications. No significant adverse events occurred. DISCUSSION This series highlights the safety and efficacy of rituximab in LOMG. The presence of multiple comorbidities and the risks of other immunotherapy in older patients makes rituximab an attractive option. More experience is needed to clarify the use of rituximab for patients in this age group. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.