Clinical Trial: Intravenous Immune Globulin Treatment Compared to Placebo in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: IVIG Treatment Compared to Placebo in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Brief Summary: This study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to determine whether IVIG is effective in improving motor scores in patients with myasthenia gravis and worsening weakness.

Detailed Summary: Patients aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) and worsening weakness were enrolled in the study after providing informed consent. Fifty-two patients were recruited to the study, but one withdrew consent prior to starting so that 51 patients were recruited. Baseline clinical assessments using the Quantitative MG Score for Disease Severity (QMGS) were repeated at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment with IVIG or saline infusion. The Post-Intervention Status was assessed at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. The treatment was randomized and double-masked. Electrophysiological and immunological tests were done at baseline and after 2 weeks. Baseline characteristics were compared by the Student's t test for continuous variables or Chi-square test for categorical variables. An analysis of covariance was performed for the primary outcome measure, the change in QMGS.
Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Current Primary Outcome: change in the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Quantitative MG Score for Disease Severity

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: MGFA Post Intervention Status Scale, changes in single fiber eletromyography and repetitive nerve stimulation studies, changes in antiacetylcholine receptor antibody titers

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: University Health Network, Toronto

Dates:
Date Received: March 21, 2006
Date Started: March 2004
Date Completion: May 2005
Last Updated: March 31, 2006
Last Verified: May 2005