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Cortés-Vicente E, Borsi AJ, Gary C, Noel WGJ, Lee JMS, Karmous W, Zhang Q, Gandhi KH, Batista AE, DeCourcy JJ, Barlow SG, Birija SL, Gibson GA. The impact of diagnosis delay on European patients with generalised myasthenia gravis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024. [PMID: 39090840 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine the mean duration of diagnosis delay for patients with myasthenia gravis from five European countries and explore the impact of >1 year diagnosis delay. METHODS Patients with myasthenia gravis (N = 387) from Europe (France/Germany/Italy/Spain/United Kingdom) and their physicians participated in the Adelphi Real World Myasthenia Gravis Disease Specific Programme™. Diagnosis delay (time from symptom onset to diagnosis) was calculated and characteristics described for patients experiencing >1 year and ≤1 year diagnosis delay. Denominators varied according to outcome as missing data were not imputed. RESULTS Mean (standard deviation) diagnosis delay was 363.1 (520.9) days, and 27.1% (105 out of 387) of patients experienced diagnosis delay >1 year. Among patients with >1 year and ≤1 year diagnosis delay, respectively, 69.2% (72 out of 104) and 17.4% [45 out of 259] had initially received a different diagnosis (physician-reported); 40.0% (42 out of 105) and 24.1% (68 out of 282) were Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America class III at the time of the survey (physician-reported); 72.4% (76 out of 105) and 61.3% (173 out of 282) had fatigue (subjective physician reporting from a pre-selected list of symptoms); 30.5% (32 out of 105) and 17.4% (49 out of 282) had anxiety and 21.9% (23 out of 105) and 13.1% (37 out of 282) had depression (both subjective physician reporting from a pre-selected list, Likert-style); and mean (standard deviation) MG-QoL-15r score was 14.4 (5.50) and 12.6 (7.84) (self-reported by N = 43 and N = 74 patients, respectively). INTERPRETATION More than a quarter of patients with myasthenia gravis experienced diagnosis delay of >1 year. These patients had a different clinical profile with regards to severity, symptoms, comorbidities and MG-QoL-15r score, compared with patients experiencing ≤1 year diagnosis delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cortés-Vicente
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Charlotte Gary
- EMEA Market Affairs, Janssen-Cilag, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
| | - Wim G J Noel
- EMEA Market Affairs, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Wisam Karmous
- EMEA Market Access, Janssen-Cilag, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
| | - Qiaoyi Zhang
- Global Market Access, Janssen Global Services, Titusville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kavita H Gandhi
- Global Market Access, Janssen Global Services, Titusville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alberto E Batista
- Global Market Access, Janssen Global Services, Titusville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Sophie G Barlow
- Statistics and Data Analytics, Adelphi Real World, Bollington, UK
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Nowak RJ, Breiner A, Bril V, Allen JA, Khan S, Levine T, Jacobs DH, Sahagian G, Siddiqi ZA, Xu J, Macias WL, Benatar M. Subcutaneous batoclimab in generalized myasthenia gravis: Results from a Phase 2a trial with an open-label extension. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:194-206. [PMID: 38062618 PMCID: PMC10791011 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the safety, tolerability, and key pharmacodynamic effects of subcutaneous batoclimab, a fully human anti-neonatal Fc receptor monoclonal antibody, in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis and anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies. METHODS A Phase 2a, proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is described. Eligible patients were randomized (1:1:1) to receive once-weekly subcutaneous injections of batoclimab 340 mg, batoclimab 680 mg, or matching placebo for 6 weeks. Subsequently, all patients could enter an open-label extension study where they received batoclimab 340 mg once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. Primary endpoints were safety, tolerability, and change from baseline in total immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin G subclasses, and anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies at 6 weeks post-baseline. Secondary endpoints included changes from baseline to 6 weeks post-baseline for Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living, Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis, Myasthenia Gravis Composite, and revised 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life scores. RESULTS Seventeen patients were randomized to batoclimab 680 mg (n = 6), batoclimab 340 mg (n = 5), or placebo (n = 6). Batoclimab was associated with significantly greater reductions in total immunoglobulin G and anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies from baseline to 6 weeks post-baseline than placebo. Reductions in immunoglobulin G subclasses were generally consistent with total immunoglobulin G. While clinical measures showed directionally favorable improvements over time, the study was not powered to draw conclusions about therapeutic efficacy. No safety issues were identified. INTERPRETATION The safety profile, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary clinical benefits observed in this study support further investigation of subcutaneous batoclimab injections as a potential patient-administered therapy for seropositive generalized myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Nowak
- Department of NeurologyYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Ari Breiner
- Division of Neurology, Department of MedicineThe Ottawa Hospital and Ottawa Research Institute, University of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Vera Bril
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular DiseasesUniversity Health Network, University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Jeffrey A. Allen
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Shaida Khan
- Department of NeurologyUT Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Todd Levine
- HonorHealth Neurology dba Phoenix Neurological AssociatesPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Daniel H. Jacobs
- College of MedicineUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Gregory Sahagian
- The Neurology Center of Southern CaliforniaCarlsbadCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zaeem A. Siddiqi
- Division of Neurology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Alberta HospitalEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Jing Xu
- Immunovant Inc.New YorkNew YorkUSA
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Dewilde S, Phillips G, Paci S, De Ruyck F, Tollenaar NH, Janssen MF. The Burden Patients with Myasthenia Gravis Experience in Terms of Breathing, Fatigue, Sleep, Mental Health, Discomfort and Usual Activities in Comparison to the General Population. Adv Ther 2024; 41:271-291. [PMID: 37921955 PMCID: PMC10796601 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02704-w] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular disorder marked by a variable combination of weakness of eye, bulbar, respiratory, axial, and limb muscles. This study compared the experience of people with MG regarding breathing, fatigue, sleep, pain/discomfort, mental health, and usual activities with the general population. METHODS The MyRealWorld-MG digital, multinational study enrolled patients with MG and collected demographics, PROMIS-Dyspnea, PROMIS-Sleep Disturbance, FACIT-Fatigue, EQ-5D-5L, Health Utilities Index (HUI-3), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), MG-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL), and MG-Quality-of-Life (MG-QoL-15r). Comparisons with the general population were based on PROMIS population norms, published literature, or on data from a digital, multinational, observational study which enrolled a representative sample of the general population (POPUP). RESULTS In MyRealWorld-MG (N = 2074), patients experienced higher intensity, frequency, and duration of PROMIS shortness of breath than a US population (p < 0.0001). Patients with MG had higher PROMIS-Sleep Disturbance scores than POPUP (53.7 vs 50.0, p < 0.0001), and 54.9% of patients had clinically severe FACIT-Fatigue scores vs 6.8% in POPUP (p < 0.0001). Among patients with MG, 69.6% and 18.5% had moderate-to-severe HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression compared to 20.3% and 6.9% in POPUP (p < 0.001). Statistically significant and strong associations were found between fatigue, sleep, dyspnea, usual activities, and emotions. All outcomes worsened with more severe disease. CONCLUSION A considerable burden was observed in this comparison of breathing, sleep, fatigue, mental health, and usual activities between patients with MG and the general population, using data from two international studies and published population norms. Even mildly affected patients had significantly worse outcomes than the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dewilde
- Services in Health Economics (SHE), Rue JG Eggerickx 36, 1150, Woluwe, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - S Paci
- argenx BV, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - N H Tollenaar
- Services in Health Economics (SHE), Rue JG Eggerickx 36, 1150, Woluwe, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M F Janssen
- Section Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Schlatter MI, Yandamuri SS, O'Connor KC, Nowak RJ, Pham MC, Obaid AH, Redman C, Provost M, McSweeney PA, Pearlman ML, Tees MT, Bowen JD, Nash RA, Georges GE. Remission of severe myasthenia gravis after autologous stem cell transplantation. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:2105-2113. [PMID: 37726935 PMCID: PMC10646993 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody-mediated neuromuscular junction disorder involving the acetylcholine receptors on the motor endplate. The safety and response to high-dose chemotherapy (HDIT) and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) were assessed in a patient with severe refractory MG. METHODS As part of a pilot study of HDIT/HCT for patients with treatment-resistant autoimmune neurological disorders, a patient with severe refractory MG underwent treatment. After mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells with rituximab, prednisone, and G-CSF, the patient had HDIT consisting of carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan, and rabbit antithymocyte globulin, followed by autologous HCT. The effect of treatment on the autoantibody to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) was assessed. RESULTS The patient had been diagnosed with AChR antibody-positive MG 14 years before HDIT/HCT and had failed thymectomy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and multiple immunomodulatory agents. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) clinical classification was IVb before HDIT/HCT. She tolerated HDIT/HCT well and started to improve clinically within days of treatment. At both 1 and 2 years after HDIT/HCT, patients remained symptom-free. After HDIT/HCT, AChR-binding autoantibodies persisted, and the relative frequency of immune cell subtypes shifted. INTERPRETATION HDIT/HCT induced a complete response of disease activity in a patient with severe refractory MG. This response may suggest that a cell-mediated etiology may be a significant contributing factor in refractory MG cases. A phase 2 clinical trial is warranted to establish if HDIT/HCT can be an effective therapy for severe refractory MG and to gain a further understanding of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soumya S. Yandamuri
- Department of NeurologyYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
- Department of ImmunobiologyYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
| | - Kevin C. O'Connor
- Department of NeurologyYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
- Department of ImmunobiologyYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
| | - Richard J. Nowak
- Department of NeurologyYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
| | - Minh C. Pham
- Department of ImmunobiologyYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
| | - Abeer H. Obaid
- Department of NeurologyYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
- Institute of Biomedical StudiesBaylor UniversityWacoTexas76706USA
| | - Callee Redman
- Colorado Blood Cancer InstituteDenverColorado80218USA
| | - Marie Provost
- Colorado Blood Cancer InstituteDenverColorado80218USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - George E. Georges
- Clinical Research DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Fang CEH, Bokre D, Wong SH. Clinical Characteristics Associated With Secondary Generalization in Patients With Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Neurology 2023; 101:e1594-e1605. [PMID: 37643888 PMCID: PMC10585680 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) is an autoimmune disorder resulting in ocular symptoms such as diplopia and ptosis. The proportion of patients who convert to secondary generalized myasthenia gravis (SGMG) reported in the literature has been varied. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with OMG and the proportion of SGMG conversion. METHODS We conducted an electronic database search for randomized controlled trials, prospective nonrandomized studies, observational studies, and retrospective studies in EMBASE, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. We included studies with patients with OMG who initially presented with ocular symptoms and signs only and were seen in clinical practice, reporting on the characteristics and outcomes of SGMG. We excluded studies with pediatric and congenital myasthenia gravis populations. Eligible studies included articles written in any language and containing data on patients with OMG. The main outcome measured was the proportion of patients with OMG who converted to SGMG and risk factors associated with secondary generalization of OMG. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and extracted data from full texts, reporting findings according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The methodology was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal forms. PROSPERO registration number: CRD2021285257. RESULTS Thirty-one studies were included in the quantitative and qualitative analysis. The proportion of generalization ranged from 11% to 84%. The pooled proportion was 39% (95% CI 32%-47%, I 2 = 95.86%, p < 0.001 unweighted, low certainty). The pooled risk ratio of female sex for conversion to SGMG was 1.06 (95% CI 0.96-1.17, I 2 = 0% p = 0.614, 21 studies included, very low certainty), and the pooled risk ratio of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) positivity was 1.30 (95% CI 1.05-1.56, I 2 = 0% p = 0.455, 16 studies included, very low certainty). DISCUSSION Risk factors such as female sex and anti-AChR positivity have been identified to have possible associations with SGMG, but there are not enough quality observational studies. There is a need for a prospective global database of patients with OMG, including all countries with different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Ern Hui Fang
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (C.E.H.F.), Manchester Royal Eye Hospital; Joint Library of Ophthalmology (D.B.), Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London; and Moorfields Eye Hospital & Guys & St Thomas' Hospitals (S.H.W.), London, United Kingdom.
| | - Desta Bokre
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (C.E.H.F.), Manchester Royal Eye Hospital; Joint Library of Ophthalmology (D.B.), Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London; and Moorfields Eye Hospital & Guys & St Thomas' Hospitals (S.H.W.), London, United Kingdom
| | - Sui Hsien Wong
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (C.E.H.F.), Manchester Royal Eye Hospital; Joint Library of Ophthalmology (D.B.), Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London; and Moorfields Eye Hospital & Guys & St Thomas' Hospitals (S.H.W.), London, United Kingdom
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Dewilde S, Phillips G, Paci S, De Ruyck F, Tollenaar NH, Janssen MF. People Diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis have Lower health-related quality of life and Need More Medical and Caregiver Help in Comparison to the General Population: Analysis of Two Observational Studies. Adv Ther 2023; 40:4377-4394. [PMID: 37490259 PMCID: PMC10499690 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02604-z] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease causing extreme muscular fatigue, triggering problems with vision, swallowing, speech, mobility, dexterity, and breathing. This analysis intended to estimate the health-related quality-of-life impact, the medical burden, and the need for caregiver help of people diagnosed with MG. METHODS MyRealWorld-MG (MRW) is an observational study among adults diagnosed with MG in 9 countries. The General Population Norms (POPUP) observational study enrolled representative members of the general population in 8 countries. In both digital studies, respondents entered personal characteristics and provided data on medical conditions, EQ-5D-5L, HUI3, MG-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL), sick leave, caregiver help, and medical care utilization. RESULTS In MRW (n = 1859), 58.4% of respondents had moderate-to-severe MG. Average utility values were lower in MRW versus POPUP (0.739 vs. 0.843 for EQ-5D-5L; 0.493 vs. 0.746 for HUI3), and declined with more severe disease (0.872, 0.707, 0.511 EQ-5D-5L utilities and 0.695, 0.443, 0.168 HUI3 utilities for mild, moderate, and severe MG, respectively). Taking sick leave in the past month was 2.6 times more frequent among people diagnosed with MG compared to the general population (34.4% vs. 13.2%) and four times more people diagnosed with MG reported needing help from a caregiver (34.8% vs. 8.3%). Use of medical care was twice as likely in MRW in comparison with POPUP (51.9% vs. 24.6%). CONCLUSION This direct comparison of people diagnosed with MG and the general population using two large international studies revealed significant negative impact of MG. Results were consistent across all outcomes, in all countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dewilde
- Services in Health Economics (SHE), Rue JG Eggerickx 36, 1150, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - S Paci
- Argenx BV, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - N H Tollenaar
- Services in Health Economics (SHE), Rue JG Eggerickx 36, 1150, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M F Janssen
- Section Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Sanders DB, Lutz MW, Raja SM, Juel VC, Guptill JT, Hobson-Webb LD, Massey JM. The Duke Myasthenia Gravis Clinic Registry: II. Analysis of outcomes. Muscle Nerve 2023; 67:291-296. [PMID: 36734303 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS The Duke Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Clinic Registry contains comprehensive physician-derived data on patients with MG seen in the Duke MG Clinic since 1980. The aim of this study was to report outcomes in patients seen in the clinic and treated according to the International Consensus Guidance statements. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of patients initially seen after 2000 and followed for at least 2 years in the clinic. Treatment goal (TG) was defined as achieving MGFA post-intervention status of "minimal manifestations" or better; PIS was determined by the treating neurologist. Time-to-event analysis, including Cox proportional hazards modeling, was performed to assess the effect of sex, acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab) status, age at disease onset, distribution (ocular vs generalized), thymectomy, and thymoma on the time to achieve TG. RESULTS Among the 367 cohort patients, 72% achieved TG (median time less than 2 years). A greater proportion of patients with AChR-Abs and thymectomy achieved TG and they did so sooner than patients without these antibodies or thymectomy. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in these findings within the tested subgroups. The disease duration at the first Duke Clinic visit was shorter in patients who achieved TG than in those who did not. DISCUSSION These results demonstrate outcomes that can be achieved in patients with MG treated according to the current Consensus Guidance statements. Among other things, they can be used to determine the added value and potential role of new treatment modalities developed since 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Sanders
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael W Lutz
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Shruti M Raja
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Vern C Juel
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jeffrey T Guptill
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lisa D Hobson-Webb
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Janice M Massey
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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Dewilde S, Philips G, Paci S, Beauchamp J, Chiroli S, Quinn C, Day L, Larkin M, Palace J, Berrih-Aknin S, Claeys KG, Muppidi S, Mantegazza R, Saccà F, Meisel A, Bassez G, Murai H, Janssen MF. Patient-reported burden of myasthenia gravis: baseline results of the international prospective, observational, longitudinal real-world digital study MyRealWorld-MG. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066445. [PMID: 36720569 PMCID: PMC9890761 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, chronic, autoimmune neuromuscular disease which can affect functional and mental aspects of health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aims to obtain detailed knowledge of the impact of MG on HRQoL in a broad population from the perspective of the patient. DESIGN Prospective, observational, digital, longitudinal real-world study. SETTING Adult patients with MG from seven countries (USA, Japan, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain and Canada) downloaded a mobile application onto their phones and entered data about themselves and their MG. OUTCOME MEASURES Data was collected using the following general and disease-specific patient-reported outcome measurements: EuroQol 5 Domains Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL), Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life 15-item revised scale (MG-QoL-15r), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Health Utilities Index III (HUI3). Patients were categorised by their self-assessed Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) class (I-V). RESULTS Baseline results of 841 participants (mean age 47 years, 70% women) are reported . The distribution across the MGFA classes was: 13.9%, 31.0%, 38.1%, 15.5% and 1.6% for classes I-V. The MGFA class was a strong predictor of all aspects of HRQoL, measured with disease-specific and with generic instruments. The domains in which patients with MG most frequently mentioned problems were usual activities, anxiety and depression, tiredness, breathing and vision. The mean total MG-ADL Score was positively associated with increasing MGFA classes: 2.7, 4.4, 6.3 and 8.4 for MGFA classes I-IV. Mean baseline EQ-5D-5L utility was also associated with MGFA classes and was 0.817, 0.766, 0.648 and 0.530 for MGFA class I-IV. CONCLUSIONS MG has a large impact on key aspects of health and HRQoL. The impact of this disease increases substantially with increasing disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra Paci
- Market Access & Patient Advocacy, argenx, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jon Beauchamp
- Market Access & Patient Advocacy, argenx, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Kristl G Claeys
- Department of Neurology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Muscle Diseases and Neuropathies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Srikanth Muppidi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
- Associazione Italiana Miastenia e Malattie Immunodegenerative, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- DNSRO Department, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Neurology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Guillaume Bassez
- Neuromuscular Diseases Reference Center, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Hiroyuki Murai
- Department of Neurology, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan
| | - M F Janssen
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Current management of myasthenia gravis in Belgium: a single-center experience. Acta Neurol Belg 2023; 123:375-384. [PMID: 36658451 PMCID: PMC9851893 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As new treatments are becoming available for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), it is worth reflecting on the actual status of MG treatment to determine which patients would most likely benefit from the new treatments. METHODS We reviewed the clinical files of all MG patients seen at the Department of Neurology of the Antwerp University Hospital during the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. RESULTS 163 patients were included. Age at diagnosis varied from the first to the eighth decades, with a peak of incidence from 60 to 70 years for both genders, and an additional peak from 20 to 30 years in women. Diplopia and ptosis were by far the most common onset symptom. At maximum disease severity, 24% of the patients still had purely ocular symptoms and 4% needed mechanical ventilation. 97% of the patients received a treatment with pyridostigmine and 68% with corticosteroids, often in combination with immunosuppressants. More than half reported side effects. At the latest visit, 50% of the patients were symptom-free. Also, half of the symptomatic patients were fulltime at work or retired with no or mild limitations in daily living. The remaining patients were working part-time, on sick leave, or retired with severe limitations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The majority of MG patients are doing well with currently available treatments, but often at the cost of side effects in the short and in the long term. A significant group is in need of better treatments.
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Zubair AS, Roy B, Baehring JM, Nowak RJ. Myasthenia Gravis in the Setting of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: Practical Considerations and Opinion-Based Approach to Acute Management. Cureus 2022; 14:e30638. [PMID: 36439604 PMCID: PMC9683636 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is increasing in patients with oncologic disease. Three classes of checkpoint inhibitors exist: anti-PD1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab), anti-CTLA4 (ipilimumab), and anti-PDL1 (atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab). ICI therapy has been used in multiple malignancies including renal cell cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, and melanoma. These therapies have led to improved oncologic treatment and outcomes in patients but can lead to immune-related or inflammatory adverse effects. Neuromuscular system side effects, particularly at the neuromuscular junction, have been observed, including myasthenia gravis (MG). This narrative review serves to summarize key available information regarding myasthenia gravis in the setting of immune checkpoint inhibitor use including the molecular targets of checkpoint inhibitors, the clinical manifestations of MG in patients with checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and potential treatment options. Studies have shown that the use of checkpoint inhibitor therapy can trigger MG, and that patients with ICI-related MG can have more severe disease. Recognition and understanding of the range of neurologic complications, including neuromuscular disorders, which can be seen with ICI therapy is a critical step toward developing better treatment algorithms and improved clinical outcomes. Future investigations which include deep mechanistic studies to further our understanding of the immunopathologic triggers and predictive markers of ICI-related MG will be important to address the current knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bhaskar Roy
- Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
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11
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Fang CEH, Bokre D, Wong SH. Clinical characteristics of ocular myasthenia gravis and outcomes of secondary generalisation: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060259. [PMID: 36127086 PMCID: PMC9490595 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to systematically assess the clinical characteristics of ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) and report on the proportion of patients who develop secondary generalised myasthenia gravis (SGMG). INTRODUCTION OMG is an autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder resulting in ptosis and diplopia. A proportion of patients with OMG develop weakness in their limbs, respiratory or bulbar muscles, that is, convert to SGMG. The proportion of patients converting to SGMG reported in the literature have been varied. We therefore aim to systematically assess the clinical characteristics of OMG and outcomes of SGMG reported in the literature to date. INCLUSION CRITERIA Studies describing a population of adults with OMG, that is, MG with ocular symptoms and signs only, seen consecutively through a clinical service, reporting on patient characteristics and the outcome of SGMG. Studies on paediatric and congenital myasthenia gravis will be excluded. METHODS We will conduct an electronic database search for randomised controlled trials, prospective non-randomised studies, observational studies and retrospective studies in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science. Exploratory database search was conducted on 1 December 2021. Eligibility criteria will include quantitative and qualitative articles written in any language and containing data on OMG. Additional studies will be identified by reviewing bibliographies of retrieved articles. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and extract data from full texts, reporting outcomes according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data extraction of key characteristics will be completed using customised forms. Methodological quality will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal forms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this review, as it will only include published data. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated across ophthalmic networks. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021285257.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa E H Fang
- Ophthalmology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Desta Bokre
- Joint Library of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London, London, UK
| | - Sui H Wong
- Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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12
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Wong SH. Advocating Patient-Centred Research in Ocular Myasthenia Gravis (OMG): A Call for an OMG Research Consortium. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 2:912805. [PMID: 38983533 PMCID: PMC11182233 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2022.912805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sui Hsien Wong
- Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Obaid AH, Zografou C, Vadysirisack DD, Munro-Sheldon B, Fichtner ML, Roy B, Philbrick WM, Bennett JL, Nowak RJ, O'Connor KC. Heterogeneity of Acetylcholine Receptor Autoantibody-Mediated Complement Activity in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2022; 9:9/4/e1169. [PMID: 35473886 PMCID: PMC9128035 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Autoantibodies targeting the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), found in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), mediate pathology through 3 mechanisms: complement-directed tissue damage, blocking of the acetylcholine binding site, and internalization of the AChR. Clinical assays, used to diagnose and monitor patients, measure only autoantibody binding. Consequently, they are limited in providing association with disease burden, understanding of mechanistic heterogeneity, and monitoring therapeutic response. The objective of this study was to develop a cell-based assay that measures AChR autoantibody-mediated complement membrane attack complex (MAC) formation. METHODS An HEK293T cell line-modified using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to disrupt expression of the complement regulator genes (CD46, CD55, and CD59)-was used to measure AChR autoantibody-mediated MAC formation through flow cytometry. RESULTS Serum samples (n = 155) from 96 clinically confirmed AChR MG patients, representing a wide range of disease burden and autoantibody titer, were tested along with 32 healthy donor (HD) samples. AChR autoantibodies were detected in 139 of the 155 (89.7%) MG samples through a cell-based assay. Of the 139 AChR-positive samples, autoantibody-mediated MAC formation was detected in 83 (59.7%), whereas MAC formation was undetectable in the HD group or AChR-positive samples with low autoantibody levels. MAC formation was positively associated with autoantibody binding in most patient samples; ratios (mean fluorescence intensity) of MAC formation to AChR autoantibody binding ranged between 0.27 and 48, with a median of 0.79 and an interquartile range of 0.43 (0.58-1.1). However, the distribution of ratios was asymmetric and included extreme values; 16 samples were beyond the 10-90 percentile, with high MAC to low AChR autoantibody binding ratio or the reverse. Correlation between MAC formation and clinical disease scores suggested a modest positive association (rho = 0.34, p = 0.0023), which included a subset of outliers that did not follow this pattern. MAC formation did not associate with exposure to immunotherapy, thymectomy, or MG subtypes defined by age-of-onset. DISCUSSION A novel assay for evaluating AChR autoantibody-mediated complement activity was developed. A subset of patients that lacks association between MAC formation and autoantibody binding or disease burden was identified. The assay may provide a better understanding of the heterogeneous autoantibody molecular pathology and identify patients expected to benefit from complement inhibitor therapy.
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14
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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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15
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Li L, Cai D, Zhong H, Liu F, Jiang Q, Liang J, Li P, Song Y, Ji A, Jiao W, Song J, Li J, Chen Z, Li Q, Ke L. Mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis indicators may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:307. [PMID: 35340870 PMCID: PMC8931634 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to challenges in diagnosing myasthenia gravis (MG), identifying novel diagnostic biomarkers for this disease is essential. Mitochondria are key organelles that regulate multiple physiological functions, such as energy production, cell proliferation and cell death. In the present study, Mfn1/2, Opa1, Drp1, Fis1, AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF-1 and TFAM were compared between patients with MG and healthy subjects to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for MG. Blood samples were collected from 50 patients with MG and 50 healthy subjects. The participants' demographic information and routine blood test results were recorded. Mitochondrial dynamics were evaluated and levels of Mfn1/2, Opa1, Drp1, Fis1, AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF-1 and TFAM were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these indicators. The areas under the curve values of Mfn1/2, Opa1, Drp1, Fis1,AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF-1 and TFAM were 0.5408-0.8696. Compared with control subjects, mRNA expression levels of Mfn1/2, Opa1, AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF-1 and TFAM were lower, while those of Drp1 and Fis1 were higher in patients with MG. The protein expression levels of all these molecules were lower in patients with MG than in control subjects. These results suggested that mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis indicators may be diagnostic biomarkers for MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqi Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Donghong Cai
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Huiya Zhong
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Fengbin Liu
- Department of Gastrosplenic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Qilong Jiang
- Department of Gastrosplenic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Jian Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Peiwu Li
- Department of Gastrosplenic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Yafang Song
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Aidong Ji
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Wei Jiao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Jingwei Song
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Jinqiu Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Lingling Ke
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
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16
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Mandel-Brehm C, Fichtner ML, Jiang R, Winton VJ, Vazquez SE, Pham MC, Hoehn KB, Kelleher NL, Nowak RJ, Kleinstein SH, Wilson MR, DeRisi JL, O'Connor KC. Elevated N-Linked Glycosylation of IgG V Regions in Myasthenia Gravis Disease Subtypes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:2005-2014. [PMID: 34544801 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Elevated N-linked glycosylation of IgG V regions (IgG-VN-Glyc) is an emerging molecular phenotype associated with autoimmune disorders. To test the broader specificity of elevated IgG-VN-Glyc, we studied patients with distinct subtypes of myasthenia gravis (MG), a B cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Our experimental design focused on examining the B cell repertoire and total IgG. It specifically included adaptive immune receptor repertoire sequencing to quantify and characterize N-linked glycosylation sites in the circulating BCR repertoire, proteomics to examine glycosylation patterns of the total circulating IgG, and an exploration of human-derived recombinant autoantibodies, which were studied with mass spectrometry and Ag binding assays to respectively confirm occupation of glycosylation sites and determine whether they alter binding. We found that the frequency of IgG-VN-Glyc motifs was increased in the total BCR repertoire of patients with MG when compared with healthy donors. The elevated frequency was attributed to both biased V gene segment usage and somatic hypermutation. IgG-VN-Glyc could be observed in the total circulating IgG in a subset of patients with MG. Autoantigen binding, by four patient-derived MG autoantigen-specific mAbs with experimentally confirmed presence of IgG-VN-Glyc, was not altered by the glycosylation. Our findings extend prior work on patterns of Ig V region N-linked glycosylation in autoimmunity to MG subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh Mandel-Brehm
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Miriam L Fichtner
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Ruoyi Jiang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Valerie J Winton
- Proteomics Center of Excellence, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Sara E Vazquez
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Minh C Pham
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Kenneth B Hoehn
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Neil L Kelleher
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Proteomics Center of Excellence at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.,Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Proteomics Center of Excellence at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Richard J Nowak
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Steven H Kleinstein
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Interdepartmental Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Michael R Wilson
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; and
| | - Joseph L DeRisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kevin C O'Connor
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; .,Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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17
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Ruiter AM, Strijbos E, de Meel RHP, Lipka AF, Raadsheer WF, Tannemaat MR, Verschuuren JJGM. Accuracy of patient-reported data for an online patient registry of autoimmune myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:622-632. [PMID: 34210541 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) comprise a spectrum of rare diseases causing muscle fatigability and weakness, leading to life-long effects on quality of life. We established the Dutch-Belgian registry for NMJ disorders, based on a unique combination of patient- and physician-reported information. Information on natural course, disease burden, prevalence of complications and comorbidity is collected through patient-reported standardized questionnaires and verified using medical documentation. Currently, the registry contains information of 565 Myasthenia Gravis (MG) patients and 38 Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) patients, constituting approximately 25% (MG) and 80% (LEMS) of patients in the Netherlands. This is a very large registry, with the highest participation rate per capita. In addition to confirming many disease characteristics previously described in the literature, this registry provides several novel insights. The reported rate of potentially corticosteroid-related comorbidity, including hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes was high, emphasizing the need to commence corticosteroid-sparing immune suppressive treatment as soon as possible. The reported rate of other auto-immune diseases is far higher than previously expected: 27% of MG and 38% of LEMS patients, and a surprisingly high number of MG patients (47%) is unaware of their antibody status. In conclusion, this registry provides a valuable collection of information regarding MG and LEMS disease course. Continuous collection of annual follow-up data will provide further longitudinal insights in disease burden, course and treatment effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel M Ruiter
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands.
| | - Ellen Strijbos
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| | - Robert H P de Meel
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander F Lipka
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter F Raadsheer
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
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18
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Kovvuru S, Nalleballe K, Onteddu SR, Sharma R, Jasti M, Kapoor N, Veerapaneni K, Yadala S, Dandu V, Archer R, Nowak RJ, Roy B. Immunosuppression in chronic autoimmune neurological disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Neurol Sci 2021; 420:117230. [PMID: 33256952 PMCID: PMC7837234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the risk of acquiring Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its outcomes in patients on immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorders (aNMD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS We used TriNetX, a global health collaborative clinical research platform collecting real-time electronic medical records data, which has one of the largest known global COVID-19 database. We included patients with chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorders (aNMD) [myasthenia gravis (MG), inflammatory myositis, and chronic inflammatory neuropathies (CIN)] and MS, based on the International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) coding for one year before January 20th, 2020. We examined the use of IST, rate of COVID- 19, hospitalization, intubation, and mortality among the patients with aNMD and MS. RESULTS A total of 33,451 patients with aNMD and 42,899 patients with MS were included. Among them, 111 (0.33%) patients with aNMD and 115 patients (0.27%) with MS had COVID-19. About one third of them required hospitalization. IST did not appear to have a significant impact on overall infection risk in either group; however, risk of hospitalization for immunosuppressed patients with aNMD was higher (Odds ratio 2.86, p-value 0.011). CONCLUSIONS IST use does not appear to make patients with aNMD and MS more vulnerable to COVID-19. IST may be continued during the pandemic, as previously suggested by expert opinion guidelines. However, it is important to consider individualizing immunotherapy regimens in some cases. Additional physician reported registry-based data is needed to further confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanthi Kovvuru
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Krishna Nalleballe
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Sanjeeva Reddy Onteddu
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Rohan Sharma
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Madhu Jasti
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Glen Burnie, MD, USA
| | - Nidhi Kapoor
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Karthika Veerapaneni
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Sisira Yadala
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Vasuki Dandu
- Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences /Baptist Health Program, North Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Robert Archer
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Richard J Nowak
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Bhaskar Roy
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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19
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Li Y, Emmett CD, Cobbaert M, Sanders DB, Juel VC, Hobson-Webb LD, Massey JM, Gable KL, Raja SM, Gonzalez NL, Guptill JT. Knowledge and perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic among patients with myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2020; 63:357-364. [PMID: 33280141 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) may be particularly vulnerable during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic due to risk of worsening disease during infection, potential adverse impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatments on neuromuscular transmission, and a limited ability to fight off infection related to immunosuppressive treatments. Our goal is to understand how patients are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, including where they receive relevant information, how it has affected medical care, and what measures they use to protect themselves. METHODS This is a prospective online survey study at large academic practice. All patients with a neuromuscular junction disorder diagnosis code in the Duke Health System were invited to participate. RESULTS One thousand eight hundred and forty eight patients were approached to participate and 75 completed the survey between 16 April 2020 and 28 May 2020. The most frequently used information sources were non-presidential federal government (75%), state government (57%), local healthcare provider (37%), and television news (36%). Non-presidential federal government (80%), local healthcare providers (55%), state government (33%), and patient support organizations (29%) were considered the most trusted information sources. Thirty-three (44%) of survey responders had attended a telemedicine visit. Patients were taking recommended precautions during the pandemic and remained very concerned (69%) about COVID-19. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores were moderate-severe in 20% of responders. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare providers, the government, and patient organizations play a critical role in communicating with the MG patient community. Use of targeted messaging strategies by these groups to convey accurate information may increase effectiveness and lead to more informed patients with reduced anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingkai Li
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - C Douglas Emmett
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marjan Cobbaert
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donald B Sanders
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vern C Juel
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa D Hobson-Webb
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Janice M Massey
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karissa L Gable
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shruti M Raja
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Natalia L Gonzalez
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Guptill
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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20
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Sanders DB, Raja SM, Guptill JT, Hobson‐Webb LD, Juel VC, Massey JM. The
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uke myasthenia gravis clinic registry:
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escription and demographics. Muscle Nerve 2020; 63:209-216. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.27120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Donald B. Sanders
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Shruti M. Raja
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Jeffrey T. Guptill
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Lisa D. Hobson‐Webb
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Vern C. Juel
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Janice M. Massey
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
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