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Myasthenia gravis (MG)

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness. MG is thought to result from inhibition of neuromuscular transmission by autoantibodies targeting the acetycholine (ACh) receptors on the postsynaptic membrane in the myoneural junction. Treatment for MG includes thymectomy, plasmapheresis, and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg).

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Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a disease of the peripheral nervous system characterized by systemic weakness or tingling sensations. GBS is thought to result from an autoimmune response, either humoral or cell mediated, to a viral infection or long-term drug administration. Plasmapheresis and IVIg are used to treat GBS.

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Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurologic disease characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function of the extremities. CIDP is thought to occur due to immunologic abnormalities. Treatment includes corticosteroids prescribed alone or in combination with immunosuppressants, plasmapheresis, and IVIg.

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Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system characterized by visual disorders and muscle weakness. MS is thought to be an autoimmune disorder mainly of the Th1-type cellular immune response targeting oligodendrocytes. Treatment includes corticosteroid pulse therapy, corticosteroids in combination with immunosuppressants, and plasmapheresis combined with immunosuppressants.

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Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS)

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a disease of the neuromuscular junction characterized by muscle weakness, tingling sensations in affected sites, fatigue, and dry mouth. LEMS is thought to be caused by the production of antibodies targeting antigens in the neuromuscular junction. Corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and IVIg are used for treatment.

Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS)

Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare, acquired nerve disorder, considered to be a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The etiology remains unknown but in most cases it occurs after a viral infection. IVIg and plasmapheresis are used for the treatment of MFS.