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Trial Name:

Myasthenia Gravis

Intro: This research study is designed to determine whether thymectomy (surgical removal of the thymus) helps participants with myasthenia gravis (MG) get better compared to using only medications like prednisone that suppress the immune system.
Condition:  
Description: This research study is designed to determine whether thymectomy (surgical removal of the thymus) helps participants with myasthenia gravis (MG) get better compared to using only medications like prednisone that suppress the immune system. Participants with generalized MG will be randomized (like a flip of a coin) to receive prednisone under strict set guidelines OR thymectomy and prednisone with the same prednisone treatment plan. Prednisone is an approved drug for treating MG. Participants are monitored by the study for 3 years. During the 3 years of the study, the participants are monitored by specific examinations of their muscle strength, their prednisone dose, and development of adverse effects.
Criteria: Participants must be 18 to 60 years old with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) for less than 3 years. A diagnosis of MG must have been confirmed by positive standard blood test for MG. Participants may be receiving anticholinesterase treatment or prednisone but no other immune suppressing medication. Participants whose eyes are affected by MG or minimal general weakness that would not require the use of corticosteroids (prednisone) are not eligible. Participants must be medically stable (not becoming sicker) to have the thymectomy.
Contact: For information or to register for screening in this trial please call HealthMatch at (216) 844-5000

Participant Confidentiality:

All information regarding participation in Clinical Trials is treated with the utmost confidentiality. University Hospitals Case Medical Center and the Division of Clinical Research recognize and respect the confidentiality of this information. Access to information related to clinical trials and their participants is restricted to authorized clinical trials personnel only.

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