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Remission induction is usually accomplished through the use of high-dose corticosteroids, frequently in conjunction with IV immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis. Maintenance of the remission is usually accomplished by slow tapering of the corticosteroids along with the use of ôsteroid-sparingö agents, which include azathioprine, thymectomy, and possibly mycophenolate. Therapy usually begins with cholinesterase inhibitors. If necessary, immune-directed treatment is added, beginning with eitherthymectomy or high-dose corticosteroids. The short-term therapies, i.e., IV immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis, may be effective in the early stages of treatment or later during an exacerbation. Steroid-sparing medications are usually added to facilitate the tapering phase. |
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