Immunobiological Therapies in the Drug Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis: Advances, Challenges and Therapeutic Perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: Myasthenia Gravis is presented as an autoimmune disease traditionally treated with corticosteroids, highlighting its limitations such as worsening symptoms with initial treatment using high doses, underdosing, and even discontinuation of treatment. In this way, immunobiologicals emerge as an emerging therapy in comparison to conventional treatment with corticosteroids.

Objectives: To analyze the clinical importance of the alternative therapy with immunobiologicals in comparison to corticosteroids.

Methods: A qualitative integrative review was conducted with systematic searches in the PubMed and BVS databases, following strict eligibility criteria. The data were organized in a spreadsheet and analyzed by category, aiming to compare immunobiologicals and corticosteroids in the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis.

Results: Of the 1,936 articles initially identified, only 8 met the inclusion criteria and composed the final corpus of the review. The main findings of these studies were organized into tables, detailing titles, journals, methods, objectives, and results.

Discussion: Immunobiologicals stand out as a promising and safer alternative to corticosteroids in the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis, with good clinical efficacy and reduced adverse effects. However, challenges such as cost, accessibility, response variability, and the need for close monitoring still limit their widespread implementation.

Conclusion: Immunobiologicals are shown to be effective and safer than corticosteroids in the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis. However, their high cost and access limitations highlight the need for further research to expand their clinical use.