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Tsai NW, Chien LN, Hung C, Kuo A, Chiu YT, Lin HW, Jian LS, Chou KP, Yeh JH. Epidemiology, Patient Characteristics, and Treatment Patterns of Myasthenia Gravis in Taiwan: A Population-Based Study. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:809-824. [PMID: 38678112 PMCID: PMC11136923 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00619-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular disease leading to significant disease burden. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of MG in Taiwan. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Prevalent patients with MG diagnosis (either ocular or generalized MG) from 2013 to 2019 were identified, and 2813 patients with initial MG diagnosis from 2014 to 2019 were further defined as the incident cohort. Patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and the occurrence of MG-related events were analyzed. RESULTS The number of prevalent patients with MG increased from 4476 in 2013 to 5752 in 2019, with the prevalence rate increasing from 19 to 24 per 100,000 population. The incidence rate also slightly increased from 1.9 to 2.3 per 100,000 population during the study period. Almost all incident patients (99%, n = 2791) received MG-related treatment during the follow-up period. Among 1876 patients who received monotherapy as their initial treatment in the outpatient setting, the mean time from the index date to initial treatment was 48.8 (standard deviation 164.3) days, and most patients received acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (88.5%, n = 1661) as their initial treatment. During the first year after the index date, 133 (4.7%) incident patients experienced their first myasthenic crisis, and 96.2% of these events occurred within 3 months. CONCLUSION The prevalence of MG increased steadily in Taiwan, and the treatment of patients with MG was consistent with guidelines. Despite a high treatment rate, patients still experienced MG-related events, highlighting the limitation of current treatments and emphasizing the need for early intervention and novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Wen Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Nien Chien
- Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Yu-Ting Chiu
- Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wei Lin
- Real World Solutions, IQVIA Solutions Taiwan Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Shan Jian
- Real World Solutions, IQVIA Solutions Taiwan Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Pei Chou
- Real World Solutions, IQVIA Solutions Taiwan Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Horng Yeh
- Department of Neurology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Lehnerer S, Herdick M, Stegherr R, Gerischer L, Stascheit F, Stein M, Mergenthaler P, Hoffmann S, Meisel A. Burden of disease in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: taking the patient's perspective. J Neurol 2024; 271:2824-2839. [PMID: 38421419 PMCID: PMC11055781 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12206-6] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune-mediated neuromuscular disorder leading to muscle weakness, autonomic dysregulation and hyporeflexia. Psychosocial well-being is affected. Previously, we assessed burden of disease for Myasthenia gravis (MG). Here, we aim to elucidate burden of disease by comparing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with LEMS to the general population (genP) as well as MG patients. METHODS A questionnaire-based survey included sociodemographic and clinical data along with standardized questionnaires, e.g. the Short Form Health (SF-36). HRQoL was evaluated through matched-pairs analyses. Participants from a general health survey served as control group. RESULTS 46 LEMS patients matched by age and gender were compared to 92 controls from the genP and a matched cohort of 92 MG patients. LEMS participants showed lower levels of physical functioning (SF-36 mean 34.2 SD 28.6) compared to genP (mean 78.6 SD 21.1) and MG patients (mean 61.3 SD 31.8). LEMS patients showed lower mental health sub-scores compared to genP (SF-36 mean 62.7 SD 20.2, vs. 75.7 SD 15.1) and MG patients (SF-36 mean 62.7 SD 20.2, vs. 66.0 SD 18.). Depression, anxiety and fatigue were prevalent. Female gender, low income, lower activities of daily living, symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue were associated with a lower HRQoL in LEMS. DISCUSSION HRQoL is lower in patients with LEMS compared to genP and MG in a matched pair-analysis. The burden of LEMS includes economic and social aspects as well as emotional well-being. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: drks.de: DRKS00024527, submitted: February 02, 2021, https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00024527 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lehnerer
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Digital Health Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Meret Herdick
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina Stegherr
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lea Gerischer
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Digital Health Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frauke Stascheit
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maike Stein
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Digital Health Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mergenthaler
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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McCallion J, Borsi A, Noel W, Lee J, Karmous W, Sattler S, Boggia GM, Hardy EJ, Mitchell CR, Mitchell SA, Gilhus NE. Systematic review of the patient burden of generalised myasthenia gravis in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:61. [PMID: 38336636 PMCID: PMC10858594 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03553-y] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease characterised by muscle weakness, and progression from ocular (oMG) to generalised (gMG) symptoms results in a substantial negative impact on quality of life (QoL). This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the patient burden experienced by people living with gMG. METHODS Electronic database searches (conducted March 2022), supplemented by interrogation of grey literature, were conducted to identify studies reporting patient burden outcomes in patients with gMG in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Results were synthesised narratively due to the heterogeneity across trials. RESULTS In total, 39 patient burden publications (representing 38 unique studies) were identified as relevant for inclusion in the systematic review, consisting of 37 publications reporting formal patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and two publications describing alternative qualitative assessments of patient experience. The studies included a variety of measures including generic and disease-specific PROMs, as well as symptom-specific PROMs focusing on key comorbidities including depression, anxiety, fatigue and sleep disturbance. The findings showed some variation across studies and PROMs; however, in general there was evidence for worse QoL in patients with gMG than in healthy controls or in patients with oMG, and a trend for worsening QoL with increasing MG severity. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the importance of considering patient QoL when developing and assessing treatment and management plans for patients with gMG. However, the heterogeneity identified across studies illustrates the need for further representative and well-powered studies in large cohorts administering consistent, validated questionnaires. TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42022328444.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Borsi
- Janssen EMEA, Beerse, Belgium
| | - W Noel
- Janssen EMEA, Beerse, Belgium
| | - J Lee
- Janssen EMEA, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - E J Hardy
- Mtech Access, Bicester, Oxfordshire, UK
| | | | | | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Guo Q, Huang Y, Wang F, Fang L. Case Report: Telitacicept in severe myasthenia gravis: a case study with multiple autoantibodies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1270011. [PMID: 38124751 PMCID: PMC10731252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1270011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Multi-antibody-positive myasthenia gravis (MG) presentations are relatively rare, often found in older patients, and generally predict a poor prognosis. We report a case of a female patient with generalized MG, testing positive for Titin antibodies (Titin-Ab), ryanodine receptor antibodies (RyR-Ab), and acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR-Ab), and resistant to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Following unsuccessful traditional therapies, she received Telitacicept, leading to significant improvements. This case underscores Telitacicept's potential efficacy for similar patients and offers insights into the clinical characteristics of multi-antibody MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Guo
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yusen Huang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fangruyue Wang
- The Third Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Le Fang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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5
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Mahic M, Bozorg A, DeCourcy J, Golden K, Gibson G, Taylor C, Scowcroft A. Physician- and patient-reported perspectives on myasthenia gravis in Europe: a real-world survey. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:169. [PMID: 37386469 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, chronic, debilitating, unpredictable, and potentially life-threatening neuromuscular disease. There is a lack of real-world data on disease management that could be used to further understand and address unmet patient needs and burden. We aimed to provide comprehensive real-world insights in the management of MG in five European countries. METHODS Data were collected using the Adelphi Real World Disease Specific Programme™ in MG, a point-in-time survey of physicians and their patients with MG in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom (UK). Physician- and patient-reported clinical data were collected, including demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, disease history, treatments, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and quality of life outcomes. RESULTS In total, 144 physicians completed 778 patient record forms from March to July 2020 in the UK, and from June to September 2020 in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Mean patient age at symptom onset was 47.7 years, with a mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis of 332.4 days (10.97 months). At diagnosis, 65.3% of patients were classified as Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Class II or above. Mean number of symptoms reported at diagnosis per patient was five, with ocular myasthenia reported in at least 50% of patients. At time of survey completion, the mean number of symptoms reported per patient was five and ocular myasthenia and ptosis were each still present in more than 50% of patients. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed chronic treatments in all countries. Of 657 patients treated with chronic treatment at the time of the survey, 62% continued to experience moderate-to-severe symptoms. On average, 3.1 healthcare professionals (HCPs) were involved in patient management, 6.2 consultations were made per patient with any HCP over the last 12 months, and 178 (22.9%) patients were hospitalized in the last 12 months. Overall, HCRU and disease management were similar across all countries. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated the high burden of MG despite current treatment options for patients with MG.
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Saccà F, Barnett C, Vu T, Peric S, Phillips GA, Zhao S, Qi CZ, Gelinas D, Chiroli S, Verschuuren JJGM. Efgartigimod improved health-related quality of life in generalized myasthenia gravis: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study (ADAPT). J Neurol 2023; 270:2096-2105. [PMID: 36598575 PMCID: PMC10025199 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11517-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
There are substantial disease and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) burdens for many patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), especially for those whose disease symptoms are not well controlled. HRQoL measures such as the Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life 15-item revised (MG-QOL15r) and EuroQoL 5-Dimensions 5-Levels (EQ-5D-5L) are vital for evaluating the clinical benefit of therapeutic interventions in patients with MG, as they assess the burden of disease and the effectiveness of treatment, as perceived by patients. The phase 3 ADAPT study (NCT03669588) demonstrated that efgartigimod-a novel neonatal Fc receptor inhibitor-was well tolerated and that acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR-Ab+) participants who received efgartigimod had statistically significant improvements in MG-specific clinical scale scores. The ancillary data reported here, which cover an additional treatment cycle, show that these participants had similar significant improvements in HRQoL measures, the MG-QOL15r and EQ-5D-5L utility and visual analog scales, and that these improvements were maintained in the second treatment cycle. Positive effects on HRQoL were rapid, seen as early as the first week of treatment in both treatment cycles, and maintained for up to 4 weeks in the follow-up-only portion of treatment cycles. The pattern of improvements in HRQoL paralleled changes in immunoglobulin G level, and correlational analyses show that improvements were consistent across HRQoL measures and with clinical efficacy measures in the ADAPT study. The substantial and durable improvements in HRQoL end points in this study demonstrate the broader benefit of treatment with efgartigimod beyond relief of immediate signs and symptoms of gMG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina Barnett
- Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital/UHN, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tuan Vu
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Stojan Peric
- University of Belgrade-Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center of Serbia-Neurology Clinic, Belgrade, Serbia
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Mahic M, Bozorg A, Rudnik J, Zaremba P, Scowcroft A. Treatment patterns in myasthenia gravis: A United States health claims analysis. Muscle Nerve 2023; 67:297-305. [PMID: 36721910 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27791] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Limited knowledge exists on treatment patterns in clinical practice in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). In this study we examined MG treatment patterns in the United States. METHODS Adult patients newly diagnosed with MG were identified from the IBM MarketScan insurance claims database. Patients with ≥2 MG International Classification of Disease diagnosis codes ≥3 months apart were retrospectively followed from the date of their first MG diagnosis record or start of treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI), intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) immunoglobulin (Ig), or plasma exchange (PLEx) therapy. Based on treatment received at any time during the follow-up period, patients were segmented into six main treatment cohorts. Exacerbations and use of IVIg, SCIg, or PLEx after the index date were identified. RESULTS During 2010 to 2019, 7,194 patients were followed for up to 10 (median, 2.3) years. Of 6,539 treated patients, 6,462 (99%) were ever treated with AChEI and/or corticosteroids (CS); 95% were first treated with AChEI and/or CS only; 33% received ≥1 nonsteroid immunosuppressive treatment (IST) and 2% received a biologic. During treatment with first IST (n = 2,166), patients experienced 42% and 94% higher incidence rates of exacerbations and IVIg, respectively, compared with AChEI and/or CS (n = 6,242), and 33% and 23% higher, respectively, compared with a second IST (n = 353). DISCUSSION Many patients experienced exacerbations and received rescue therapy despite treatment, suggesting current treatments may not provide adequate disease control for some patients and that additional treatment options should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milada Mahic
- Global Real World Evidence, UCB Pharma, Slough, UK
| | - Ali Bozorg
- Clinical Development, UCB Pharma, Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jan Rudnik
- Real World Data Analytics Team, UCB Pharma, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Piotr Zaremba
- Real World Data Analytics Team, UCB Pharma, Katowice, Poland
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Mahic M, Bozorg AM, DeCourcy JJ, Golden KJ, Gibson GA, Taylor CF, Ting A, Story TJ, Scowcroft A. Physician-Reported Perspectives on Myasthenia Gravis in the United States: A Real-World Survey. Neurol Ther 2022; 11:1535-1551. [PMID: 35859033 PMCID: PMC9298707 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-022-00383-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, debilitating, chronic disorder caused by the production of pathogenic immunoglobulin G autoantibodies against the neuromuscular junction. A lack of real-world studies in rare diseases reflects a relatively limited understanding of the significant unmet needs and burden of disease for patients. We aimed to provide comprehensive real-world insights into the management and burden of MG from treating physicians in the United States (US). METHODS Data were collected using the Adelphi Real World MG Disease Specific Programme™, a point-in-time survey of physicians and their patients with MG, in the US between March and July 2020. Physician-reported clinical data, including demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, disease history, treatments, and healthcare resource utilization, were collected. RESULTS In total, 456 patient record forms were completed by 78 physicians based in the US. At time of survey completion, patient mean age was 54.5 years. Mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 9.0 months (n = 357). Ocular symptoms were reported in 71.7% of patients. General fatigue affected 47.1% of patients and over half of those reported the severity as moderate or severe (59.5%, n = 128). Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and/or steroids were the most frequently prescribed first-line treatment type among patients receiving treatment at time of survey completion and with moderate-to-severe symptoms (77.9%, n = 159/204). High-dose steroids (n = 14) and intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 13) were the most prescribed acute treatments among those receiving an acute treatment at time of survey completion (n = 36), with symptom exacerbations or myasthenic crises being the most common reasons for acute treatment. On average, 2.5 healthcare professionals were involved in patient management and 5.0 consultations were made per patient over the last 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that, despite treatment, there is a proportion of patients with MG in the US who had a significant need for improved disease management.
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Shen F, Huang H, Li L. Effects of symptom clusters on quality of life mediated by self‐efficacy among individuals with myasthenia gravis: A structural equation modelling analysis. J Clin Nurs 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Shen
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Hai‐Shan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
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COVID-19 infection and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in myasthenia gravis. Acta Neurol Belg 2022; 123:529-536. [PMID: 36279094 PMCID: PMC9589734 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-022-02121-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction which is typically presented with muscle weakness and excessive fatigability. Majority of MG patients require long-term immune suppression. Our aim was to analyze the frequency and severity of COVID-19 infection in MG patients, as well as the frequency of vaccinated MG patients against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS We included 125 MG patients from the central Belgrade municipalities-60% females, age at MG onset 50.1 ± 19.7 years, age at testing 61.7 ± 16.8 years, anti-acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR) positive 78% and muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) positive 8.6%. RESULTS One-third of our MG patients had a COVID-19 infection and they were younger compared to those without verified COVID-19. Severe COVID-19 infection was registered in 28% of MG patients, mostly in elder subjects with comorbidities such as cardiac diseases and malignancies. MG worsening was noted in 21% of patients during/after COVID-19 and 42% had COVID-19 sequelae. Majority of MG patients were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (almost 70%). Vaccination was more common among MG patients with diabetes and in those with a milder form of MG. The most common types of vaccines were Sinopharm (42%) and Pfizer-BioNTech (25.6%). Adverse events were observed in 36% of vaccinated patients, with flu-like symptoms (77%) and local reactions (13%) being the most common ones. MG worsening was noticed in 5 (5.8%) patients after vaccination. CONCLUSION COVID-19 has placed a significant new burden for MG patients. Elder MG patients and patients with comorbidities are in higher risk of having adverse outcome following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Percentage of vaccinated MG patients was higher than in general Serbian population.
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Lehnerer S, Jacobi J, Schilling R, Grittner U, Marbin D, Gerischer L, Stascheit F, Krause M, Hoffmann S, Meisel A. Burden of disease in myasthenia gravis: taking the patient's perspective. J Neurol 2022; 269:3050-3063. [PMID: 34800167 PMCID: PMC9120127 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10891-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) leads to exertion-dependent muscle weakness, but also psychological and social well-being are limited. We aim to describe the burden of disease in MG including sociodemographic, economical, psychosocial as well as clinical aspects, to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with MG to the general population (genP) and to explore risk factors for a lower HRQoL. METHODS This case-control study was conducted with MG patients of the German Myasthenia Association. A questionnaire-based survey included sociodemographic and clinical data as well as standardized questionnaires, e.g. the Short Form Health (SF-36). HRQoL was compared to genP in a matched-pairs analysis. Participants of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) served as control group. RESULTS In our study, 1660 MG patients participated and were compared to 2556 controls from the genP. Patients with MG showed lower levels of physical functioning (SF-36 mean 56.0, SD 30.3) compared to the genP (mean 81.8, SD 22.1, adjusted difference: 25, 95% CI 22-29) and lower mental health sub-score (SF-36 mean 67.3, SD 19.8, vs. 74.1, SD 16.7, adjusted difference: 5, 95% CI 2-8). Female gender, higher age, low income, partnership status, lower activities of daily life, symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue and self-perceived low social support were associated with a lower HRQoL in MG patients. DISCUSSION HRQoL is lower in patients with MG compared to genP. The burden of MG on patients includes economic and social aspects as well as their emotional well-being. New therapies must achieve improvements for patients in these areas. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03979521, submitted: June 7, 2019, first patient enrolled: May 1, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03979521.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lehnerer
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jonas Jacobi
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralph Schilling
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Core Facility Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Derin Marbin
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Charité University Medicine Berlin at St. Hedwig Hospital, Große Hamburger Straße 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lea Gerischer
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frauke Stascheit
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maike Krause
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Diez Porras L, Homedes C, Alberti MA, Velez Santamaria V, Casasnovas C. Quality of Life in Myasthenia Gravis and Correlation of MG-QOL15 with Other Functional Scales. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082189. [PMID: 35456281 PMCID: PMC9025772 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in myasthenia gravis (MG) is frequently decreased. Further, there are many validated clinical scales and questionnaires to evaluate the clinical status in MG. We aimed to determine if there was an improvement in HRQOL following an intensive treatment for MG, identify which demographic and clinical features influenced patients’ HRQOL, and investigate if the questionnaire MG-QOL15 correlated with other evaluation scales. We recruited 45 patients with generalised MG who were starting immunomodulatory treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and prednisone for the first time. At each visit, we administered several validated scales for MG. The mean MG-QOL15 score improved significantly at 4 and 6 weeks of the study. Additionally, the MG-QOL15 score correlated strong with the Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) and the Neuro-QOL Fatigue and weakest with the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Scoring System (QMG). The QMG score prior to study enrolment was associated with HRQOL. We observed that HRQOL in MG improved after receiving an intensive immunomodulatory treatment and achieving better control of the symptoms. The questionnaire MG-QOL15 correlated positively with other clinical measures. As MG is a fluctuating condition, and some symptoms are difficult to examine, we direct physicians toward the use of scales and questionnaires composed of items perceived by the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Diez Porras
- Neurometabolic Diseases Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 199 Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (L.D.P.); (C.H.); (M.A.A.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Christian Homedes
- Neurometabolic Diseases Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 199 Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (L.D.P.); (C.H.); (M.A.A.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Maria Antonia Alberti
- Neurometabolic Diseases Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 199 Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (L.D.P.); (C.H.); (M.A.A.); (V.V.S.)
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, Feixa Llarga Street n/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Valentina Velez Santamaria
- Neurometabolic Diseases Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 199 Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (L.D.P.); (C.H.); (M.A.A.); (V.V.S.)
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, Feixa Llarga Street n/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Carlos Casasnovas
- Neurometabolic Diseases Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 199 Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (L.D.P.); (C.H.); (M.A.A.); (V.V.S.)
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, Feixa Llarga Street n/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, 3–5 Monforte de Lemos, Pabellón 121, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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13
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Gelinas D, Parvin-Nejad S, Phillips G, Cole C, Hughes T, Silvestri N, Govindarajan R, Jefferson M, Campbell J, Burnett H. The humanistic burden of myasthenia gravis: A systematic literature review. J Neurol Sci 2022; 437:120268. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Long-term outcome in patients with myasthenia gravis: one decade longitudinal study. J Neurol 2021; 269:2039-2045. [PMID: 34480608 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10759-4] [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: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Even treated, myasthenia gravis (MG) continues to represent a significant burden and might continuously affect patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim of our longitudinal study was to analyze QoL in a large cohort of MG patients after a 10-year follow-up period. METHODS This study comprised 78 MG patients (60% females, 50 ± 16 years old at baseline, 70% AchR positive) who were retested after 10 years. Disease severity was evaluated by MGFA classification. QoL was assessed using SF-36 questionnaire and Myasthenia Gravis-specific Questionnaire (MGQ). Hamilton rating scales for depression and anxiety (HDRS and HARS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) were also used. RESULTS Similar percentage of patients was in remission at both time points (42% and 45%). However, at baseline all patients were treated, while 32% were treatment-free at follow-up. SF-36, MGQ, MSPSS and AIS scores were similar at baseline and retest. Mean HDRS and HARS scores worsened during time (p < 0.05), although percentage of patients with depression and anxiety did not change significantly. Significant predictors of worse SF-36 score at retest were depression (β = - 0.45, p < 0.01), poor disease acceptance (β = - 0.44, p < 0.01) and older age (β = - 0.30, p < 0.01). Significant predictors of worse MGQ score at retest were poor disease acceptance (β = - 0.40, p < 0.01), retirement (β = - 0.36, p < 0.01), lower education (β = 0.25, p < 0.01), and depression (β = - 0.18, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Although after 10 years, a significant number of MG patients were in remission, their QoL was still reduced. Neurologists should be aware that patients' perception of poor QoL may persist even if MG is well treated from a physician's perspective.
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15
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Al-Ahmer I, Elshony H. Determinants of quality of life changes with plasmapheresis in patients with myasthenia gravis. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-021-00320-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Immunomodulation, including IVIG and plasma exchange, is useful for a crisis or severe exacerbation. Plasma exchange may be slightly faster and more effective in a myasthenic crisis than IVIG. The aim of the current study was to determine the changes in the quality of life (QOL) after plasmapheresis and factors influencing these changes.
Results
This study was conducted on 98 MG patients diagnosed as moderate to severe myasthenia gravis (according to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification), 81 patients received alternate day 5 sessions plasmapheresis (TPE group) and 17 patients were on medical treatment only (control group). All patients were subjected to full history, through clinical neurological evaluation and scored with quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score for MG severity at start and after 1 m. Both groups completed the QOL questionnaire at baseline and after 1 month. The MG-QOL-15 scores were computed and we analyzed the change in the QOL scores from baseline to after plasmapheresis groups and compared it with the results for the control group. The scores in QOL scales had significantly decreased after plasmapheresis, and the improvement in QOL scores had a good correlation with the decrease in QMGS. The improvement in QOL and QMG was significantly correlated with younger age, female gender, shorter duration of the illness, presence of AchR antibodies, antibody titer, and thymus hyperplasia.
Conclusion
Plasmapheresis is effective in improving quality of life in myasthenia gravis patients and this improvement influenced by age, gender, duration of illness, presence of AchR antibodies and their titer, and the thymus pathology.
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16
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Szczudlik P, Sobieszczuk E, Szyluk B, Lipowska M, Kubiszewska J, Kostera-Pruszczyk A. Determinants of Quality of Life in Myasthenia Gravis Patients. Front Neurol 2020; 11:553626. [PMID: 33071942 PMCID: PMC7538807 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.553626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although approximately half of myasthenia gravis (MG) patents achieve remission, for the remaining group MG is often a life-long disease. Better understanding of the determinants of Quality of Life (QoL) in MG is needed to optimize treatment goals in chronic cases. Materials and Methods: We performed a single center cross-sectional study in 339 MG adult patients (64.9% women), with ocular or generalized disease. SF-36 and a structured questionnaire was administered, including information on previous and current MG severity, medications, comorbidities, education, occupation and BMI of the patient. Mean disease duration was 7.5 + 9.3 years. Current age was 51.6 + 18.3 years, 55% had Early-Onset (<50 years) MG. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in mean SF-36 subscores between women and men. Worse MGFA class was related to lower QoL in physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) subscore (p = 0.000 for both). Patients with MGFA I-II class had significantly better QoL in physical and mental subscores than patients with more severe MG (p < 0.005). Late-onset MG patients had worse QoL than EOMG in physical score domain PCS (p = 0.049). Overweight and obese patients had lower PCS (p = 0.002) and MCS (p = 0.038) than patients with normal BMI. University education was related to statistically higher PCS (p = 0.015) and MCS (p = 0.006). QoL in currently employed was better in PCS and MCS (p = 0.000), with white collar workers reporting higher PCS (p = 0.049) than the remaining group. Patients living with family evaluated their MCS (p = 0.015) better than living alone. Moderate physical activity (twice a week) improved PCS (p = 0.045). Conclusion: Our study confirmed that greater severity of symptoms, age, age of onset but also BMI, type of work, education status and physical activity affect QoL in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Szczudlik
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Sobieszczuk
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Szyluk
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Lipowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Dong D, Chong MKC, Wu Y, Kaminski H, Cutter G, Xu X, Li H, Zhao C, Yin J, Yu S, Zhu J. Gender differences in quality of life among patients with myasthenia gravis in China. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2020; 18:296. [PMID: 32883289 PMCID: PMC7470440 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01549-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis (MG), a chronic neuromuscular disorder, can adversely affect patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL), especially in women. The study aimed to evaluate the difference in HRQoL of women and men MG patients and explore the factors that mediate the relationship between gender and HRQoL. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1815 patients with MG in China. The revised 15-item MG quality of life scale (MG-QOL15r) was used to access patients’ HRQoL in overall, physical, social and emotional domains. Socio-demographic information, diagnosis and treatment history, comorbidities, social support, active lifestyle and the MG activities of daily living scale (MG-ADL) were recorded and compared between women and men using the Student’s t-test and Pearson’s Chi-square test. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify independent contributors to HRQoL, especially those affecting different gender. Results On average, female patients with MG reported a lower MG-QOL15r score than the males (44.49 ± 29.10 vs 49.32 ± 29.18). The association between gender and patients’ HRQoL interacted with the number of comorbidities across the overall, physical and social domains of patients. As the number of comorbidities increased, the scores of HRQoL decreased and it was faster among females than the males (p < 0.05). Moreover, unemployment, exacerbation of the disease, and active lifestyle contributed to the patients’ HRQoL across all domains. Unemployment (β = − 4.99 [95%CI, − 7.80 to − 2.18], p < 0.001) and exacerbations (β = − 8.49 [95%CI, − 11.43 to − 5.54], p < 0.001) were correlated with poorer HRQoL; while an active lifestyle had a positive impact on HRQoL (β = 0.28 [95%CI, 0.16 to 0.40], p < 0.001). Conclusions The results indicate that the HRQoL of women MG patients was lower than that of men. The relationship between gender and HRQoL is modulated by the number of comorbidities. Thus, to improve the HRQoL of women MG patients, symptomatic treatments might not be enough, their comorbid conditions should be considered as well. Additionally, employment status, MG exacerbations, and an active lifestyle have been found as determining factors of the patients’ HRQoL, which suggests future interventions should cope with these factors to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Dong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Marc Ka-Chun Chong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yushan Wu
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Henry Kaminski
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gary Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Xianhao Xu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Yin
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siyue Yu
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| | - Jianfeng Zhu
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Fatigue, self-efficacy and psychiatric symptoms influence the quality of life in patients with myasthenia gravis in Tianjin, China. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 79:84-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
This study aimed to review studies focused on the affective comorbidities associated with myasthenia gravis and to determine the extent to which neuromuscular treatment modalities address non-somatic aspects of autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Depression, anxiety, and emotional hyperactivity can aggravate myasthenia gravis, hinder accurate diagnoses, and presumably influence overall health-related quality of life. Studies were identified using PubMed Medline and Web of Science to assess the effects of psychological factors on myasthenia gravis, encompassing 49 years of research worldwide. After analysis, approximately 6,060 patients from 32 studies worldwide between 1971 and 2020 were included. Standard-of-care approaches to diagnosis and treatment continue to under-appreciate the prevalence or impact of mood disorders in myasthenia gravis. The majority of studies evaluated demonstrated an association between myasthenia gravis and mood disorders. However, the initiative to detect and treat affective comorbidities probably remains suboptimal. Although treatments for the somatic effects of myasthenia gravis have evolved over the past century, the paradigm of clinical practice has yet to adequately address the management of psychological impacts on the disease. This review is hoped to raise the necessary awareness in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Law
- Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA
| | - Claire V Flaherty
- Neurology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA
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20
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Stojanov A, Stojanov J, Milosevic V, Malobabic M, Stanojevic G, Stevic M, Djordjevic G. The Impact of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic on the Psychological Status and Quality of Life of Myasthenia Gravis Patients. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2020; 23:510-514. [PMID: 33223669 PMCID: PMC7657293 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_551_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the largest pandemic of our times. We wanted to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological status, quality of life (QoL) and quality of sleep (QoS) of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. Methods: Data on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of MG were collected. We used a self-designed questionnaire (consisting of 12 questions), a revised 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MGQOL15r), a 36-item health survey of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF36), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Hamilton scales for the assessment of anxiety (HAM-A), and depression (HAMD) were used. We reassessed patients who were tested three years ago using the same questionnaires. Results: The study included 64 MG patients. We noticed a statistically significant difference between the results obtained three years ago and the results from April 2020 in PSQI scores (P < 0.01). MGQOL15r, SF36, and PSQI scores correlate with severe clinical manifestation, high scores on HAM-A and HAM-D (P < 0.01). Higher scores on HAM-D and fear that MG symptoms will be worse if the patient gets an upper respiratory infection were independent predictors of the lower SF36 scores. Regarding MGQOL15r-independent predictors of the higher score were higher scores on HAM-D. Conclusions: There is a significant impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the psychological status and especially on the quality of sleep of MG patients. Healthcare organizations need to provide professional therapeutic advice and psychosocial support for this population of patients during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vuk Milosevic
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | | | | | | | - Gordana Djordjevic
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center Nis, Nis, Serbia.,Medical faculty, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
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21
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Gavrilov YV, Alekseeva TM, Kreis OA, Valko PO, Weber KP, Valko Y. Depression in myasthenia gravis: a heterogeneous and intriguing entity. J Neurol 2020; 267:1802-1811. [PMID: 32140868 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09767-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive symptoms in myasthenia gravis (MG) are common, may mimic other disease features, and contribute to misdiagnosis and diagnostic delay. Nevertheless, the clinical determinants of depressive symptoms in MG remain poorly studied, in particular their overlap with fatigue. Moreover, studies in MG have rarely looked at distinct depression phenotypes. METHODS In 68 consecutive MG patients, we ascertained cognitive-affective and somatic depression with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and also assessed age at disease onset, education, marital state, work ability, sleepiness, fatigue, and treatment modalities. Disease severity was graded according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification. RESULTS The prevalence of moderate-severe depression was 20.5%. While depression and fatigue showed large overlap (n = 37, 54.4%), only fatigue increased with disease severity, while BDI scores did not. Thymectomy was independently associated with lower BDI scores, but had no impact on fatigue. Total BDI scores were similar in patients with predominantly cognitive-affective and with predominantly somatic depression. However, ESS correlated only with cognitive-affective BDI, and younger age was independently associated with cognitive-affective BDI. Conversely, female sex and thymectomy were independently associated with somatic BDI. CONCLUSIONS Depression and fatigue are highly prevalent and largely overlapping comorbidities in MG, but only fatigue increased with disease severity, and only depression was milder in thymectomized patients. Comparative use of BDI subscales in MG reveals distinct depression phenotypes with distinct correlations to other disease features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury V Gavrilov
- Department of General Pathology and Pathological Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 197376, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatjana M Alekseeva
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga A Kreis
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Neurology, North-Western State Medical University, 191015, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Philipp O Valko
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Konrad P Weber
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yulia Valko
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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22
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Garzón-Orjuela N, van der Werf L, Prieto-Pinto LC, Lasalvia P, Castañeda-Cardona C, Rosselli D. Quality of life in refractory generalized myasthenia gravis: A rapid review of the literature. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2019; 8:231-238. [PMID: 31890449 PMCID: PMC6929598 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2019.01121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) is a neuromuscular transmission disorder that creates a fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscles. This study is aimed at understanding the effect that refractory GMG has on the quality of life of patients who suffer from it, and the effect of eculizumab on it. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Ovid). Eligibility criteria were verified via the title and summary and afterward through the full text. The risk of bias of the included randomized clinical trials was evaluated and the data were synthesized in a descriptive manner. Nine studies were identified that evaluated the quality of life of patients with GMG. Regarding the effect of eculizumab, two studies were identified. The quality of life in patients with GMG is lower compared to ocular myasthenia gravis (MG) and MG in remission, especially in the domains of physical function, physical role, bodily pain, vitality, and social function. Patients treated with eculizumab had a better perception of their quality of life compared to those who received placebo. GMG affects the quality of life more than other types of MG. This outcome is of great importance for the choice of therapeutic options in patients with refractory GMG. Eculizumab generates improvements in the perception of patients' quality of life compared to placebo, making it a relevant therapeutic option in the management of refractory GMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly Garzón-Orjuela
- . Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, NeuroEconomix, Bogotá, Colombia
- Address correspondence to:Nathaly Garzón-Orjuela, Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, NeuroEconomix, Bogotá, Colombia. E-mail:
| | - Laura van der Werf
- . Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, NeuroEconomix, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Pieralessandro Lasalvia
- . Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, NeuroEconomix, Bogotá, Colombia
- . Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Diego Rosselli
- . Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, NeuroEconomix, Bogotá, Colombia
- . Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Stojanov J, Stojanov A, Binić I, Antonijević J, Popević M. QUALITY OF SLEEP IN PATIENTS WITH MYASTHENIA GRAVIS. ACTA MEDICA MEDIANAE 2019. [DOI: 10.5633/amm.2019.0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Quality of Life of Myasthenia Gravis Patients in Regard to Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of the Disease. Neurologist 2019; 24:115-120. [DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Factors associated with quality of life of people with Myasthenia Gravis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206754. [PMID: 30408057 PMCID: PMC6226107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose As most of patients with Myasthenia Gravis have limitations in their physical functioning, many experience changes in psychological states and often have depression. The objective of the current study was to examine the roles of communication with medical professionals, patients’ loneliness, and patients’ depression, in relation to their effects on the patients’ quality of life. Methods For 120 patients with MG of 18 years and older, demographic variables, along with communication with medical professionals, loneliness, depression, and quality of life were measured. Results As a result, people suffering from MG experienced lower quality of life when their career has changed due to the illness. At the same time, depression was a significant predictor of their quality of life, both in physical and mental domains. Conclusions The implications for clinical settings and the suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Liu Y, Tang X. Depressive Syndromes in Autoimmune Disorders of the Nervous System: Prevalence, Etiology, and Influence. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:451. [PMID: 30319458 PMCID: PMC6168717 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system (ADNS) consist of a group of severely disabling disorders characterized by abnormal immune attack against protein components of the nervous system. This type of attack behavior may occur in the central or peripheral nervous system, and in the neuromuscular junction, resulting in neuronal damage, axonal injury, demyelination or destruction of the neuromuscular junction. While the neurological deficits of patients with ADNS have received significant research attention, the manifestation of depression tends to be ignored. In fact, depressive manifestation is common in ADNS and adds significant burden upon patients suffering from this disease. Here, we systematically reviewed the current literature to highlight the prevalence, etiology and influence of depressive manifestation in ADNS. Most autoimmune diseases of the nervous system are discussed in this paper, from multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and autoimmune encephalitis to acute myelitis, neuromyelitis optica, Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis. Depressive symptoms usually develop as a comorbidity during the course of disease, but sometimes exist as a primary presentation of the disease. Psychosocial factors, long periods of disablement and chronic pain are the three most common causes of depressive symptoms in many chronic conditions, particularly in peripheral neuropathy. Furthermore, the higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in ADNS suggests that immunological dysregulation may contribute to the elevated morbidity of depression. Finally, structural lesions of the brain, and some medications for ADNS, are also thought to precipitate depressive states in ADNS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiangqi Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Quality of life in patients with MuSK positive myasthenia gravis. Acta Neurol Belg 2018; 118:423-427. [PMID: 29594965 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-018-0915-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
It is believed that myasthenia gravis (MG) with antibodies to muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) is the most severe form of the disease, especially in the first years of the disease. The aim of our study was to investigate quality of life (QoL) in a population of patients with MuSK MG compared to those with MG who have antibodies to acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in their sera. The study group consisted of 35 MuSK MG patients (28 females and 7 males), while the control group included 38 AChR MG patients matched for gender, age, and duration of the disease. SF-36 questionnaire was used to evaluate the health-related QoL. Following scales were also used: Hamilton's scales for depression and anxiety, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Acceptance of Illness Scale. Physical domain scores of QoL were similarly affected in both MuSK and AChR groups, while mental domain and total SF-36 scores were even better in MuSK MG patients. Social support was better in the MuSK group (77.3 ± 9.3 vs. 70.6 ± 14.1, p < 0.05). SF-36 total score correlated with depression (rho = 0.54, p < 0.01), anxiety (rho = 0.49, p < 0.01), and MSPSS (rho = - 0.35, p < 0.05), and depression was an independent predictor of worse QoL. Besides therapy of weakness, psychiatric treatment and different forms of psychosocial condition should be part of regular therapeutic protocols for MG. Adequate team work of health professionals and family can provide a healthy mental environment in which a MuSK MG patient would feel more comfortable in spite of the disease.
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Tascilar NF, Saracli O, Kurcer MA, Ankarali H, Emre U. Is there any relationship between quality of life and polysomnographically detected sleep parameters/disorders in stable myasthenia gravis? Acta Neurol Belg 2018; 118:29-37. [PMID: 28456888 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-017-0787-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
It is known that quality of life in myasthenia gravis is positively correlated with subjective sleep quality, still no data is available regarding the relationship between QOL and polysomnographically detected sleep parameters and disorders. In this study, we tried to highlighten this relationship, by performing polysomnography. Sleep-related complaints were evaluated in face-to-face interviews with 19 clinically stable MG patients and 26 healthy controls. During the interviews questionnaires assessing sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and Turkish version of the MG-QOL 15-item scale [(MG-QOL15(T)] were administered and then an overnight polysomnography was performed. Sleep disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnea and fatigue were higher, whereas subjective sleep duration was significantly lower, in patients than controls. Excessive daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality were not different between patients and controls. Other than percentage of sleep stage III, which was negatively correlated with MG-QOL15(T) scores, neither other sleep parameters nor sleep disorders were correlated with MG-QOL15(T) scores. MG composite, subjective sleep duration, fatigue severity and Hamilton depression rating scale scores were found to be positively correlated with MG-QOL15(T) scores. It was shown that decreasing disease severity and enhancing psychological well-being will improve patients' quality of life. We recommend that our findings should be repeated in a large prospective cohort of MG patients.
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Braz NFT, Rocha NP, Vieira ÉLM, Barbosa IG, Gomez RS, Kakehasi AM, Teixeira AL. Muscle strength and psychiatric symptoms influence health-related quality of life in patients with myasthenia gravis. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 50:41-44. [PMID: 29396072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular autoimmune disease characterized by skeletal muscle weakness which can impact motor function and, furthermore, produce negative impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the predictors for HRQOL in patients with MG. METHODS Eighty patients were evaluated with the MG Foundation of America classification and the MG Composite scale. HRQOL was estimated by the MGQOL15, while anxious and depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). RESULTS The mean age of patients was 41.9 years with mean illness duration of 13.5 years. Almost half of the patients (43.75%) had significant anxiety and more than a quarter (27.50%) had depressive symptoms. Factors that influenced the HRQOL in MG were skeletal muscle weakness and anxiety and depressive symptoms (p < .001 in logistic regression model). CONCLUSION Anxiety and depressive symptoms, besides motor symptoms, influence HRQOL in MG. Mental health must be a clinical focus in addition to the treatment of somatic symptoms during the course of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Felicidade Tomaz Braz
- Neuroscience Branch, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Natalia Pessoa Rocha
- Neuroscience Branch, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Érica Leandro Marciano Vieira
- Neuroscience Branch, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Izabela Guimarães Barbosa
- Neuroscience Branch, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Antonio Lucio Teixeira
- Neuroscience Branch, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Neuromuscular Disease Center, University Hospital, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Nagane Y, Murai H, Imai T, Yamamoto D, Tsuda E, Minami N, Suzuki Y, Kanai T, Uzawa A, Kawaguchi N, Masuda M, Konno S, Suzuki H, Aoki M, Utsugisawa K. Social disadvantages associated with myasthenia gravis and its treatment: a multicentre cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013278. [PMID: 28235967 PMCID: PMC5337722 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify the social disadvantages associated with myasthenia gravis (MG) and examine associations with its disease and treatment. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We evaluated 917 consecutive cases of established MG seen at 13 neurological centres in Japan over a short duration. OUTCOME MEASURES All patients completed a questionnaire on social disadvantages resulting from MG and its treatment and a 15-item MG-specific quality of life scale at study entry. Clinical severity at the worst condition was graded according to the MG Foundation of America classification, and that at the current condition was determined according to the quantitative MG score and MG composite. Maximum dose and duration of dose ≥20 mg/day of oral prednisolone during the disease course were obtained from the patients' medical records. Achievement of the treatment target (minimal manifestation status with prednisolone at ≤5 mg/day) was determined at 1, 2 and 4 years after starting treatment and at study entry. RESULTS We found that 27.2% of the patients had experienced unemployment, 4.1% had been unwillingly transferred and 35.9% had experienced a decrease in income, 47.1% of whom reported that the decrease was ≥50% of their previous total income. In addition, 49.0% of the patients reported feeling reduced social positivity. Factors promoting social disadvantages were severity of illness, dose and duration of prednisolone, long-term treatment, and a depressive state and change in appearance after treatment with oral steroids. Early achievement of the treatment target was a major inhibiting factor. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MG often experience unemployment, unwilling job transfers and a decrease in income. In addition, many patients report feeling reduced social positivity. To inhibit the social disadvantages associated with MG and its treatment, greater focus needs to be placed on helping patients with MG resume a normal lifestyle as soon as possible by achieving the treatment target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Nagane
- Department of Neurology, Hanamaki General Hospital, Hanamaki, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Murai
- Department of Neurological Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomihiro Imai
- Department of Neurology, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yamamoto
- Department of Neurology, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Emiko Tsuda
- Department of Neurology, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naoya Minami
- Department of Neurology, Hokkaido Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Sendai Medical Center, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kanai
- Department of Neurology, Chiba University School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akiyuki Uzawa
- Department of Neurology, Chiba University School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Masayuki Masuda
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Konno
- Department of Neurology, Toho University Oh-hashi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Mourão AM, Gomez RS, Barbosa LSM, da Silva Freitas D, Comini-Frota ER, Kummer A, Lemos SMA, Teixeira AL. Determinants of quality of life in Brazilian patients with myasthenia gravis. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2016; 71:370-4. [PMID: 27464292 PMCID: PMC4946526 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2016(07)03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the current study were 1) to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Brazilian version of the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale and 2) to investigate the quality of life of Brazilian patients with myasthenia gravis and its determinants. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 69 patients with myasthenia gravis who underwent neurological evaluation and completed questionnaires regarding quality of life (the 36-item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study and the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale), anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS The Brazilian version of the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale showed high internal consistency and good concurrent validity with the 36-item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study and its subscales. Determinants of quality of life in Brazilian patients with myasthenia gravis included the current status of myasthenia gravis as assessed by the Myasthenia Gravis Composite, the current prednisone dose and the levels of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION The Brazilian version of the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale is a valid instrument. Symptom severity, prednisone dosage and anxiety and depression levels impact the quality of life of patients with myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Mansueto Mourão
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Hospital Universitário, Unidade de Neurologia, Clinica Neuromuscular
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica, Belo Horizonte/MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Santiago Gomez
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Hospital Universitário, Unidade de Neurologia, Clinica Neuromuscular
| | - Luiz Sergio Mageste Barbosa
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Hospital Universitário, Unidade de Neurologia, Clinica Neuromuscular
| | - Denise da Silva Freitas
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Hospital Universitário, Unidade de Neurologia, Clinica Neuromuscular
| | | | - Arthur Kummer
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica, Belo Horizonte/MG, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Lucio Teixeira
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Hospital Universitário, Unidade de Neurologia, Clinica Neuromuscular
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica, Belo Horizonte/MG, Brazil
- E-mail:
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Boldingh MI, Dekker L, Maniaol AH, Brunborg C, Lipka AF, Niks EH, Verschuuren JJGM, Tallaksen CME. An up-date on health-related quality of life in myasthenia gravis -results from population based cohorts. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2015; 13:115. [PMID: 26232146 PMCID: PMC4522107 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-015-0298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Current available therapies control Myasthenia gravis (MG) reasonably well, but Health Related Quality of life (HRQOL) remains lower than expected. The aim was provide insights in how HRQOL in MG stands across borders and time, compare the scores to general population controls and other chronic disorders and assess the impact of potential predictors for quality of life such as a) clinical characteristics b) antibodies c) thymoma and d) treatment in a population-based cohort. Methods We designed a population-based cross-sectional study including 858 patients, 373 from Norway and 485 from the Netherlands. The Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) and a cross-cultural validated questionnaire were used. Data were in addition compared to the general population, other chronic diseases and previous studies. Results Mean physical composite score was 59.4 and mental composite score 69.0 with no differences between the countries. The mean HRQOL score was lower in patients with bulbar and generalized symptoms (p < 0.001) compared to sex and age adjusted healthy controls, but not in patients with ocular symptoms or patients in remission. Multivariate analysis revealed that female gender, generalized symptoms and use of secondary immunosuppressive drugs at the time of testing were risk factors for reduced HRQOL. Conclusions Remission and absence of generalized symptoms were favorable factors for HRQOL in MG patients. Historically, the HRQOL levels have not changed since 2001 and no new clinical predictors could be detected in this exhaustive population-based study. Further studies should explore the impact of non clinical factors like ethnic variations, socio-economic and hormonal factors on HRQOL. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12955-015-0298-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Boldingh
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål and Rikshospitalet, Ullevål, Pb. 4950 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - L Dekker
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - A H Maniaol
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål and Rikshospitalet, Ullevål, Pb. 4950 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | - C Brunborg
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål and Rikshospitalet, Ullevål, Pb. 4950 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.
| | - A F Lipka
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - E H Niks
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - J J G M Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - C M E Tallaksen
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål and Rikshospitalet, Ullevål, Pb. 4950 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Yang Y, Zhang M, Guo J, Ma S, Fan L, Wang X, Li C, Guo P, Wang J, Li H, Li Z. Quality of life in 188 patients with myasthenia gravis in China. Int J Neurosci 2015; 126:455-62. [PMID: 26000922 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2015.1038712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a kind of chronic autoimmune disease which can weaken patients' motor function and, furthermore, produce negative impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The primary purpose of this research was to evaluate factors that might affect the HRQoL of MG patients. A cross-sectional clinical research was carried out including 188 successive patients with MG. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score were applied to assess the severity of the disease. The Medical Outcome Survey 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to estimate the HRQoL. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) were utilized to measure the depression and anxiety symptom. Factors may influence the HRQoL of MG patients include age, educational level, occupation, the situation of the thymus, the type of MG and generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG), the severity of the disease and the psychological disorder. Higher QMG and HARS scores were two significant factors that can prognosticate lower Physical Composite Score (PCS) and Mental Composite Score (MCS), while older age was just a significant factor which has prognostic value for lower PCS. The results of this research may have a potential guiding significance for the clinical treatment strategy and improve the quality of life in patients with MG consequently. In addition to the treatment of physical symptoms, the psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression should be concerned as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Yang
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Min Zhang
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Jun Guo
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Shan Ma
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Lingling Fan
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Xianni Wang
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Chuan Li
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Peng Guo
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Jie Wang
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Hongzeng Li
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
| | - Zhuyi Li
- a Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital , Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710038 , China
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Blum S, Lee D, Gillis D, McEniery DF, Reddel S, McCombe P. Clinical features and impact of myasthenia gravis disease in Australian patients. J Clin Neurosci 2015; 22:1164-9. [PMID: 26021730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2015.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We performed a community-based survey of 165 Australian patients with a physician-confirmed diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG). MG is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction causing fatiguable muscle weakness. Patients with early onset MG (<40 years of age) were more frequently female (22 males, 60 females) whereas patients with late onset MG (>40 years of age) were more frequently male (50 males, 28 females; p < 0.001). Triggering and exacerbating factors included physical and emotional stress, infections, surgery or trauma, seasonal changes and medications. The co-occurrence of other immune-related diseases was reported by 54% of patients. The median MG quality of life (QOL) score was 92 (range: 24-186). The factor most strongly associated with poor QOL was depression. Only 40.6% of patients were working at the time of the survey and of these, almost half had required sick leave due to MG in the past 12 months. A further 39.4% had stopped work due to MG and 19.4% having to change occupation. Full-time or part-time care was required by 29% of patients and government financial support was received by 52.7%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Blum
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; University of Queensland, Centre of Clinical Research, Herston, QLD, Australia.
| | - David Lee
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - David Gillis
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; Pathology Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Stephen Reddel
- University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - Pamela McCombe
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; University of Queensland, Centre of Clinical Research, Herston, QLD, Australia
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Ekbäck MP, Lindberg M, Benzein E, Årestedt K. Social support: an important factor for quality of life in women with hirsutism. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2014; 12:183. [PMID: 25526751 PMCID: PMC4297415 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-014-0183-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women with hirsutism have reported imparied health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Social support is a factor that might increase HRQoL in chronic diseases, but little is known about this association among women with hirsutism. Aim The aim of the study was to describe social support and explore its association with HRQoL among women with hirsutism. A further aim was to compare HRQoL in women with hirsutism with a Swedish normal population. Methods A questionnaire including socio-demographic questions, Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and a self-estimation of hairiness using the Ferriman-Gallway scale (F-G scale) was answered by 127 women with hirsutism. Results Multiple regression analyses showed significant associations between social support and all health dimensions in the SF-36, also after the model was adjusted for age, hairiness and body mass index. Compared to the normal Swedish population, women with hirsutism reported significantly lower HRQoL in all dimensions of the SF-36 (p < 0.01). Conclusions There is a significant positive association between social support and HRQoL, demonstrating its importance for the ability to adapt to problems associated with hirsutism. As women with hirsutism reported poorer HRQoL compared to the normal population, social support may be a factor to consider in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Palmetun Ekbäck
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Örebro, 701 85, Örebro, Sweden. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE 70182, Örebro, Sweden. .,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Örebro County Council, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Magnus Lindberg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Örebro, 701 85, Örebro, Sweden. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE 70182, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Eva Benzein
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE 70182, Örebro, Sweden. .,Department of Health and Caring Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Department of Health and Caring Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden. .,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. .,Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal University College and Ersta Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Gilhus NE, Nacu A, Andersen JB, Owe JF. Myasthenia gravis and risks for comorbidity. Eur J Neurol 2014; 22:17-23. [PMID: 25354676 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder leading to skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability. MG subgroups are defined according to pathogenetic autoantibody (against acetylcholine receptor, muscle-specific tyrosine kinase or lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4), thymus pathology and clinical manifestations. MG patients have an increased risk for concordant autoimmune disease, in particular with early onset MG. Most common comorbidities are thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Cardiomyositis and subclinical heart dysfunction have been described in patients with thymoma MG and late onset MG but represent no major threat. A thymic lymphoepithelioma implies an increased risk for another cancer. Autoimmune MG represents no distinct cancer risk factor, although lymphomas and a few other cancer types have been reported with slightly increased frequency. Severe MG-related muscle weakness means a risk for respiratory failure and respiratory tract infection. Drug MG treatment can lead to side-effects. Thymectomy is regarded as a safe procedure both short and long term. Non-MG-related comorbidity represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, especially in elderly patients. Diagnostic accuracy and optimal follow-up is necessary to identify and treat all types of coexisting disease in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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