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Elmati PR, Jagirdhar GSK, Surani S. Cardiac implications in myasthenia gravis. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:5863-5867. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i26.5863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This editorial aimed to consolidate the current evidence in literature on the association between myasthenia gravis (MG) and cardiac involvement, focusing on the impact of thymoma, antistriational antibodies, and late-onset MG. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the influence of genetic differences among populations on the association with cardiac disease. We conducted a review of existing literature in PubMed and Google Scholar to find relevant studies on cardiac involvement in MG. We created search criteria using a combination of free text words, including MG, antistriational antibodies, thymectomy, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, arrhythmias, autonomic dysfunction. Relevant articles published in English language were analyzed and incorporated. The findings indicate a strong association between thymoma, myasthenic crisis, antistriational antibodies, and late-onset MG with cardiac involvement. The study also revealed that genetic differences among populations influence the risk of cardiac disease and electrocardiography (ECG) abnormalities in MG patients. Autonomic dysfunctions altered cardiac autonomic response and increased susceptibility to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in MG patients. The study supports the significance of thymoma, antistriational antibodies, and late-onset MG as key factors associated with cardiac involvement in MG patients. It emphasizes the importance of ECG as the initial test in managing MG patients, particularly in the perioperative period, to identify and genetic testing if needed to address their cardiac risk effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Reddy Elmati
- Department of Anesthesiology, Saint Clair Hospital, Dover, NJ 07801, United States
| | | | - Salim Surani
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
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Zawadka-Kunikowska M, Cieślicka M, Klawe JJ, Tafil-Klawe M, Kaźmierczak W, Rzepiński Ł. Frequency and severity of autonomic dysfunction assessed by objective hemodynamic responses and patient-reported symptoms in individuals with myasthenia gravis. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1415615. [PMID: 39099636 PMCID: PMC11295281 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1415615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disorder, poses diagnostic and management challenges, with increasing incidence in Europe and significant impact on patient quality of life. Despite prevalent autonomic symptoms, comprehensive assessments integrating subjective and objective measures are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of autonomic dysfunction in patients with MG and healthy controls (HCs). Materials and methods We used beat-to-beat hemodynamic responses during standardized autonomic function tests (AFTs) and the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire. Study participants including, 53 patients with MG and 30 age- and sex matched HCs underwent standardized cardiovascular AFTs and completed the COMPASS-31 questionnaire. Patients were categorized into Non-CAN and CAN groups based on their Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN) status, as evaluated using the Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS). During the AFTs, cardiovascular parameters including heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean BP, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured. Results Twenty patients with MG (38%) exhibited mild CAN (CASS ≥2) with a median total CASS score of 1.00 and CASS 0.00 in HCs. Adrenergic impairment was observed in 27 patients (52%), with 13 patients (24.5%) exhibiting longer pressure recovery time after Valsalva maneuver (VM). Cardiovagal impairment was evident in 71% of patients, with abnormal results observed in 39.6% for the deep breathing test and 56.6% for the VM. CAN MG showed worse scores than HCs for the total COMPASS-31 (p < 0.001), orthostatic (OI) (p < 0.001), secretomotor (p = 0.004), and pupillomotor domains (p = 0.004). Total COMPASS-31 and OI scores were correlated with worse disease outcomes (disease duration, severity), hemodynamic parameter changes (SV, CO, TPR) during phase II late of VM, and with changes (Δtilt-supine) in Δsystolic BP, Δdiastolic BP, Δmean BP, ΔTPR during head-up-tilt test, but not with CASS score. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate mild cardiovascular autonomic impairment in adrenergic and cardiovagal domains in patients with MG. Additionally, patient-reported autonomic symptoms correlated with hemodynamic changes during AFTs and worse disease outcomes and not with the grade of autonomic abnormalities. Incorporating beat-to-beat hemodynamics during AFTs may offer further insights for characterizing orthostatic intolerance symptoms in MG group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska
- Department of Human Physiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Mirosława Cieślicka
- Department of Human Physiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Jacek J. Klawe
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kaźmierczak
- Department of Human Physiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Rzepiński
- Sanitas - Neurology Outpatient Clinic, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Neurology, 10th Military Research Hospital and Polyclinic, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Hao Y, Su Y, He Y, Zhang W, Liu Y, Guo Y, Chen X, Liu C, Han S, Wang B, Liu Y, Zhao W, Mu L, Wang J, Peng H, Han J, Kong Q. Impaired cerebral microvascular endothelial cells integrity due to elevated dopamine in myasthenic model. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:10. [PMID: 38178152 PMCID: PMC10765813 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-03005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterized by pathogenic antibodies that target structures of the neuromuscular junction. However, some patients also experience autonomic dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and other neurological symptoms, suggesting the complex nature of the neurological manifestations. With the aim of explaining the symptoms related to the central nervous system, we utilized a rat model to investigate the impact of dopamine signaling in the central nervous and peripheral circulation. We adopted several screening methods, including western blot, quantitative PCR, mass spectrum technique, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry. In this study, we observed increased and activated dopamine signaling in both the central nervous system and peripheral circulation of myasthenia gravis rats. Furthermore, changes in the expression of two key molecules, Claudin5 and CD31, in endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier were also examined in these rats. We also confirmed that dopamine incubation reduced the expression of ZO1, Claudin5, and CD31 in endothelial cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Overall, this study provides novel evidence suggesting that pathologically elevated dopamine in both the central nervous and peripheral circulation of myasthenia gravis rats impair brain-blood barrier integrity by inhibiting junction protein expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yinchun Su
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yifan He
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xingfan Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chunhan Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Siyu Han
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Buyi Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yushuang Liu
- Medicine Department of Guangzhou Geriatric Hospital, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lili Mu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jinghua Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haisheng Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Junwei Han
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Qingfei Kong
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
- The Heilongjiang Provincial Joint Laboratory of Basic Medicine and Multiple Organ System Diseases (International Cooperation), Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
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Zawadka-Kunikowska M, Rzepiński Ł, Cieślicka M, Fanslau J, Klawe JJ, Tafil-Klawe M. Correlation between Cardiovascular Autonomic and Pulmonary Ventilation Functions in Myasthenia Gravis Patients. Adv Respir Med 2023; 91:546-559. [PMID: 38131875 PMCID: PMC10740449 DOI: 10.3390/arm91060040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pulmonary function and cardiac autonomic function parameters in clinically stable myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. A total of 22 MG patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) were evaluated. Pulmonary function test parameters, heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and cardiovascular autonomic function test parameters (the Valsalva ratio, expiration/inspiration (E/I) ratio) were assessed. Compared with the HCs, the patients demonstrated a similar diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO); a lower forced vital capacity (FVC%pred); a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%pred); lower BRS and HRV, including high-frequency and total power spectral density; and a higher percentage of abnormal cardiovagal function test results (p < 0.05). A lower BRS in the patient group was associated with worse clinical disease outcomes and reduced pulmonary function (DLCO%pred, R = 0.59; TLC%pred, R = 0.48). Age, forced vital capacity, and total lung capacity predicted the E/I ratio (R2 values ranging from 0.48 to 0.49). Our study demonstrated a significant relationship between a reduced pulmonary ventilation function and respiratory mechanics with cardiovascular autonomic parameters, including the E/I ratio, BRS, and HRV measures at rest, as shown in the MG group. Future studies should focus on the interplay between respiratory and autonomic function testing, as well as pulmonary rehabilitation, to mitigate cardiovascular risk in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska
- Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.C.); (J.F.); (M.T.-K.)
| | - Łukasz Rzepiński
- Sanitas—Neurology Outpatient Clinic, Dworcowa 110, 85-010 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
- Department of Neurology, 10th Military Research Hospital and Polyclinic, 85-681 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Mirosława Cieślicka
- Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.C.); (J.F.); (M.T.-K.)
| | - Joanna Fanslau
- Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.C.); (J.F.); (M.T.-K.)
| | - Jacek J. Klawe
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe
- Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.C.); (J.F.); (M.T.-K.)
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Zawadka-Kunikowska M, Rzepiński Ł, Cieślicka M, Klawe JJ, Tafil-Klawe M. Alterations in short-term blood pressure variability related to disease severity and autonomic symptoms in myasthenia gravis patients. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:4065-4075. [PMID: 37378800 PMCID: PMC10570234 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06927-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate beat-to-beat blood pressure variability (BPV) during head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients with mild and moderate myasthenia gravis (MG) compared to healthy controls (HCs), and its association with the severity of autonomic symptoms. METHODS A total of 50 MG patients and 30 HCs were evaluated. Patients were stratified into 2 groups regarding Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification: mild (I,II MGFA), moderate form (III MGFA). Autonomic symptoms were assessed by COMPASS-31 questionnaire. Cardiovascular parameters, indices of very short-term systolic (SBPV), and diastolic blood pressure (BP) variability (DBPV) were assessed at rest, and during HUTT. RESULTS Moderate MG patients were characterized by an overall shift of sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic predominance, either at rest and during HUTT, as well as lower values of high frequency (HFnu) of DBPV during HUTT, compared to HCs and mild MG. Similarly, moderate MG showed higher resting low frequency (LFnu) of DBPV (p=0.035), higher COMPASS-31 score (p=0.031), and orthostatic intolerance sub-score (p=0.019) than mild MG patients. Compared to HCs, mild MG patients showed lower Δmean BP (p=0.029), Δdiastolic BP (p=0.016). Autonomic symptoms were associated with lower BP values, at rest and during HUTT, and lower LF BPV parameters during HUTT. CONCLUSION MG patients present significant alterations in BPV, both at rest and in response to orthostatic stress, which are related to autonomic symptoms and disease severity. This study confirms the importance of monitoring BPV when evaluating cardiovascular autonomic function and its evolution over the course of MG disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska
- Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Karłowicza 24, 85-092, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Rzepiński
- Sanitas-Neurology Outpatient Clinic, Dworcowa 110, 85-010, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Neurology, 10th Military Research Hospital and Polyclinic, 85-681, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Mirosława Cieślicka
- Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Karłowicza 24, 85-092, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Jacek J Klawe
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe
- Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Karłowicza 24, 85-092, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Zawadka-Kunikowska M, Rzepiński Ł, Tafil-Klawe M, Veronese N, Barbagallo M, Habek M, Gilhus NE. Altered Cardiac Autonomic Regulation in Individuals with Myasthenia Gravis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurol Int 2023; 15:1140-1154. [PMID: 37755362 PMCID: PMC10537350 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15030071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to determine differences in cardiovascular autonomic parameters between patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and healthy controls (HCs). Two reviewers searched four electronic databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and SCOPUS, from database inception to 7 July 2023 for studies investigating cardiovascular autonomic parameters in MG vs. HCs. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to compute Hedges' g ± 95% confidence intervals (CI). Out of a total of 2200 records, 8 observational studies with a sample size of 301 patients with MG and 454 HCs were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis revealed lower values of expiration/inspiration ratio (g = -0.45, I2 = 74.7), baroreflex sensitivity (g = -0.56, 95%CI -0.80, -0.33; I2 = 0.3), percentage of adjacent NN intervals differing by more than 50 ms (g = -1.2, I2 = 82.8), square root of the mean of squared differences between successive beat intervals (g = -1.94, I2 = 95.1), mean of the standard deviations of all NN intervals (g = -0.83, 95%CI -1.37, -0.28; I2 = 55.5), and high frequency of HRV during tilt (g = -0.75, 95%CI -0.11, -0.39; I2 = 0). MG patients vs. HCs had higher systolic blood pressure (g = 0.39; I2 = 56.1), sympathovagal balance at rest/during tilt (LF/HF-RRIsupine, g = 0.44; I2 = 0; LF/HF-RRItilt, g = 0.86; I2 = 0; LF/HFtilt, g = 0.40; I2 = 0). As a group, MG patients have altered cardiac autonomic function, including decreased parasympathetic function, lower baroreflex sensitivity, and higher sympathovagal balance at rest and during orthostatic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska
- Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Rzepiński
- Sanitas—Neurology Outpatient Clinic, Dworcowa 110, 85-010 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
- Department of Neurology, 10th Military Research Hospital and Polyclinic, 85-681 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe
- Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Geriatrics Section, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (N.V.); (M.B.)
| | - Mario Barbagallo
- Geriatrics Section, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (N.V.); (M.B.)
| | - Mario Habek
- Department of Neurology, Referral Center for Autonomic Nervous System Disorders, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nils E. Gilhus
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Association of Cardiac Autonomic Responses with Clinical Outcomes of Myasthenia Gravis: Short-Term Analysis of the Heart-Rate and Blood Pressure Variability. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133697. [PMID: 35806988 PMCID: PMC9267657 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess cardiac and autonomic function in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and to explore its relationship with disease outcomes. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with an MG were enrolled (median age 40.5 years; median disease duration 5.5 years). Cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), spectral indices of short-term heart rate (HRV), and systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) were compared with age- and gender-matched controls (n = 30). Cardiac autonomic function was assessed during the response to standing (tilt) and deep breathing tests (expiration/inspiration ratio-E/I). Results: HR and BP responses to the tilt test were similar in both groups. MG patients, as compared to controls, were characterized by altered SBPV at rest, significantly reduced HR response to the deep breathing test (p < 0.001), increased sympathovagal balance after tilt (delta LF/HF-RRI, p = 0.037), and lower values of BRS (p = 0.007) and hemodynamic parameters, i.e., cardiac index, index contractility, left ventricular work index, at rest and during tilt. There was no association between disease duration and autonomic parameters. Disease severity, as determined by MGFA (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America) corrected for age and sex, was an independent predictor of diminished vagal tone (E/I ratio) and increased sympathetic response to tilt (delta LF/HF-RRI) as measured with HRV. Lower BRS was associated with greater disease severity and older age. Hemodynamic parameters were predominantly predicted by age and sex. Conclusion: Our results confirm cardiac autonomic dysfunction among MG patients with predominant parasympathetic impairment. Clinicians should consider evaluation of autonomic balance in MG patients with, or at risk for, cardiovascular disease.
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ELSAIS A, KERTY E, RUSSELL K, TOSKA K. Does Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction Contribute to Fatigue in Myasthenia Gravis? Physiol Res 2022; 71:79-91. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fatigable muscle weakness. Despite full spontaneous or pharmacological remission some MG patients still complain of physical and mental fatigue. Fatigue has been related to autonomic dysregulation. The aim of this study was to assess autonomic responses in a group of MG patients in complete remission but complaining of persistent fatigue. Seventeen well-regulated but persistently fatigued MG patients and 17 individually matched controls underwent echocardiography assessing systolic and diastolic heart function. Beat to beat cardiovascular responses at rest and to 30o head-up tilt, tilt-back, and 2-min static handgrip contraction were recorded. Fatigued MG patients had a statistically significant higher resting HR than their matched controls (p=0.03). The difference in resting heart rate between MG patients not using acetylcholine esterase inhibitors (AChEi) and their matched controls was even more pronounced (p=0.007). The autonomic cardiovascular adjustments to head-up tilt, tilt-back and handgrip contraction were not statistically significant different between patients and controls. We found a higher resting heart rate in all well-regulated but fatigued MG patients compared with controls. The difference was more pronounced between patients not taking AChEi compared to their matched controls. This finding may reflect a disturbed resting sympathovagal balance and this might be a contributing factor to the fatigue symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A ELSAIS
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - E KERTY
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - K RUSSELL
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - K TOSKA
- Faculty of Medicine, Section for Physiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,
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Zhang J, Huang X, Shi Q. Autonomic dysfunction detected by skin sympathetic response in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: a case report. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:106. [PMID: 35305594 PMCID: PMC8933941 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02625-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a type of paraneoplastic syndrome that may initially manifest itself with proximal weakness and gait abnormalities. Approximately up to 50% of LEMS patients have a primary autonomic dysfunction. Case presentation We present here a case of a 75-year-old male with symmetric proximal muscle weakness, dry mouth and constipation. The cutaneous response to scratch and upright tilt-table testing were positive. A repetitive nerve stimulation test showed that there was a decremental response of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude at 3 Hz while an incremental response at 20 Hz. The presence of antibodies against voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) confirmed the diagnosis. Because of the prominent symptom of autonomic disorder, the patient further underwent the test of skin sympathetic response (SSR). Lower amplitude and longer response duration were found in palms, while it evoked no response in soles. Conclusions In this case, we present the detailed results of SSR test on a patient suffering LEMS with autonomic disorder. Since autonomic dysfunction has a significant impact on clinical management and SSR test is an effective detection method, we recommend that SSR test be performed on patients with LEMS regularly.
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Liou YT, Wei JCC, Hu KC, Hung YM, Chou MC, Chang R. Risk of subsequent atrial fibrillation in patients with myasthenia gravis: A population-based cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26008. [PMID: 34011098 PMCID: PMC8137031 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the association between myasthenia gravis (MG) and the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in an Asian population. The risk was analyzed in a cohort of 5528 patients with history of MG and 5528 individuals without MG using a hospitalization claim dataset. Both groups were matched by age, sex, index year and baseline comorbidities as an original analysis. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval of AF after adjusting for demographic and relevant clinical covariates. The adjusted hazard ratio of the MG group compared with that of the non-MG group was 1.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.38) for AF. A stratified analysis showed that compared with the propensity score matched non-MG group, there was no increased risk of developing AF based on age categories, gender, or comorbidities. Different time follow-up periods results showed no increased risk of AF compared with the non-MG group. Overall, in the Taiwanese cohort, MG is not associated with an increased risk of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaw-Tzeng Liou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University
| | - Kai-Chieh Hu
- Management office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung
| | - Yao-Min Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal United Hospital, Kaohsiung
- College of Health and Nursing, Meiho University
| | - Mei-Chia Chou
- Department of Recreation and Sports Management, Tajen University
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Pingtung Branch, Pingtung County, Taiwan
| | - Renin Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung
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11
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Rzepiński Ł, Zawadka-Kunikowska M, Newton JL, Zalewski P. Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Myasthenia Gravis and Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis-A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2173. [PMID: 34069830 PMCID: PMC8157285 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed cardiac autonomic response to head-up tilt test (HUTT) in 23 myasthenia gravis (MG) and 23 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared to 30 healthy controls (HC). Task Force® Monitor was used to evaluate cardiac inotropy parameters, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), heart rate (HRV), and blood pressure variability (BPV) during HUTT. MG patients were characterized by reduced BRS (p < 0.05), post-HUTT decrease in high-frequency component (p < 0.05) and increase in sympathovagal ratio of HRV (p < 0.05) when compared to controls indicating parasympathetic deficiency with a shift of sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic predominance. Compared to HC, MG patients also showed lower cardiac inotropy parameters, specifically, left ventricular work index (LVWI) during supine rest (p < 0.05) as well as LVWI and cardiac index values in response to orthostatic stress (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Compared to controls, RRMS patients were characterized by lower HRV delta power spectral density (p < 0.05) and delta low-frequency HRV (p < 0.05) in response to HUTT suggesting combined sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction. There were no differences in cardiac autonomic parameters between MG and MS patients (p > 0.05). Our study highlights the possibility of cardiac and autonomic dysfunction in patients with MG and RRMS which should be considered in the pharmacological and rehabilitation approach to managing these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Rzepiński
- Department of Neurology, 10th Military Research Hospital and Polyclinic, Powstańców Warszawy 5, 85-681 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.Z.-K.); (P.Z.)
| | - Julia L. Newton
- Population Health Science Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
| | - Paweł Zalewski
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.Z.-K.); (P.Z.)
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12
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Bekooij T, Gilhuis H, Dawson L, Niks E. Dysautonomia as the Presenting Symptom in Anti-Muscle-Specific Kinase Antibody Myasthenia Gravis. J Neuromuscul Dis 2020; 7:47-50. [DOI: 10.3233/jnd-190411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T.J.S. Bekooij
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Centre Westeinde, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - H.J. Gilhuis
- Department of Neurology, Reinier de Graaf Hospital, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - L. Dawson
- Department of Neurology, Reinier de Graaf Hospital, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - E.H. Niks
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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13
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Cardiac autonomic function evaluation in pediatric and adult patients with congenital myasthenic syndromes. Neuromuscul Disord 2019; 29:290-295. [PMID: 30898524 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has been examined in myasthenia gravis but not in congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS). We aimed to evaluate cardiac autonomic functions in genetically defined CMS. Patients diagnosed with and under treatment for CMS were reviewed for 24-hour cardiac rhythm monitoring. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures were defined as: SDNN, mean of the standard deviations for all R-R intervals; SDNNi, standard deviation of all R-R intervals in successive five-minute epochs; RMSSD, square root of the mean of squared differences between successive R-R intervals. Ten patients with mutations in the epsilon subunit of the acetylcholine receptor (AChRε) and five patients with mutations in the collagen-like tail of asymmetric acetylcholinesterase (ColQ) were included. Median age at evaluation was 17 (2.5-46) years. In the AChRε group, RMSSD values; and in the ColQ group, SDNN, SDNNi and RMSSD values were significantly lower than those of healthy subjects. This first extensive report examining HRV in CMS showed alterations in patients with ColQ mutations and, to a lesser extent, in the group with AChRε mutations. This might indicate an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. We suggest cardiological follow-up in CMS, and consideration of any potential cardiovascular effects of therapeutic agents used in management.
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14
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Non-invasive evaluation of sudomotor function in patients with myasthenia gravis. Neurophysiol Clin 2019; 49:81-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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15
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Tong O, Delfiner L, Herskovitz S. Pain, Headache, and Other Non-motor Symptoms in Myasthenia Gravis. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2018; 22:39. [DOI: 10.1007/s11916-018-0687-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Kocabas ZU, Kizilay F, Basarici I, Uysal H. Evaluation of cardiac autonomic functions in myasthenia gravis. Neurol Res 2018; 40:405-412. [PMID: 29607742 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2018.1446690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to comprehensively evaluate cardiac autonomic function in patients with MG and to investigate the relationship between this disorder and disease duration, thymoma and acetylcholine receptor antibody positivity in cases of cardiac autonomic disorder. METHODS The study included 30 patients with MG and 30 age-matched healthy control subjects. Haemodynamic parameters (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) and autonomic parameters (low frequency [LF], high-frequency [HF], sympathovagal balance [LF/HF], baroreceptor reflex sensitivity [BRS]) of the patients were automatically measured at rest and in a tilted position with the Task Force Monitor. RESULTS The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements obtained at rest and during the tilt test were higher in patients with MG. Sympathovagal balance has been disturbed in favour of sympathetic tone, and parasympathetic insufficiency has become more prominent. When baroreceptor sensitivity was used as the second parameter to evaluate autonomic heart functions, BRS at rest and during the tilt test was lower in the MG group compared with the control group. DISCUSSION These results suggest that sympathovagal balance has been disturbed in favour of sympathetic tone and that parasympathetic insufficiency has become more prominent. The current findings support the presence of cardiac autonomic involvement in patients with MG. The determination of cardiac autonomic function via noninvasive methods among patients with MG has high predictive value. The identification of autonomic dysfunction at an early stage and the early treatment of cardiovascular diseases can reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Uysal Kocabas
- a Department of Anesthesiology , Osmangazi University, Medical School Hospital , Eskisehir , Turkey
| | - Ferah Kizilay
- b Department of Neurology , Akdeniz University, Medical School Hospital , Antalya , Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Basarici
- c Department of Cardiology , Akdeniz University, Medical School Hospital , Antalya , Turkey
| | - Hilmi Uysal
- b Department of Neurology , Akdeniz University, Medical School Hospital , Antalya , Turkey
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17
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Di Giovanni M, Battisti C, Salvatore S, Tumminelli G, Vinciguerra C, Ruocco G, Federico A. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in anti-musk Myasthenia gravis: A case report. J Neurol Sci 2016; 369:250-251. [PMID: 27653899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Di Giovanni
- Unit of Clinical Neurology and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Carla Battisti
- Unit of Clinical Neurology and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Salvatore
- Unit of Clinical Neurology and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gemma Tumminelli
- Unit of Clinical Neurology and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Vinciguerra
- Unit of Clinical Neurology and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gaetano Ruocco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Federico
- Unit of Clinical Neurology and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Blitshteyn S. Autoimmune markers and autoimmune disorders in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Lupus 2015; 24:1364-9. [PMID: 26038344 DOI: 10.1177/0961203315587566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, there have been a number of studies suggesting that POTS may have an autoimmune etiology. This study examined whether the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), other markers of autoimmunity and co-morbid autoimmune disorders is higher in patients with POTS than in the general population. METHODS AND RESULTS Medical records of 100 consecutive patients with POTS evaluated at our clinic were reviewed. In this cohort (90% females, mean age 32, range 13-54 years), 25% had positive ANA, 7% had at least one positive aPL antibody and 31% had markers of autoimmunity. When compared to the general population, patients with POTS had a higher prevalence of ANA (25% vs. 16%, OR 1.8, CI 1.1-2.8, p < 0.05), aPL antibody (7% vs. 1%, OR 7.5, CI 3.4-16.1, p < 0.001) and co-morbid autoimmune disorders (20% vs. highest estimated 9.4%, OR 2.4, CI 1.5-3.9, p < 0.001). The most prevalent autoimmune disorder was Hashimoto's thyroiditis (11% vs. up to 2%, OR 6.1, CI 3.2-11.3, p < 0.001), followed by RA (4% vs. up to 1%, OR 4.1, CI 1.5-11.2, p < 0.01) and SLE (2% vs. up to 0.12%, OR 17, CI 4.1-69.7, p < 0.001). The prevalence of CVID was very high (2% vs. 0.004%, OR 510.2, CI 92.4-2817.8, p < 0.001), while celiac disease showed a nonsignificant trend toward increased prevalence. CONCLUSION Patients with POTS have a higher prevalence of autoimmune markers and co-morbid autoimmune disorders than the general population. One in four patients have positive ANA, almost one in three have some type of autoimmune marker, one in five have a co-morbid autoimmune disorder, and one in nine have Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Blitshteyn
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
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