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Jiang Z, Hu W, Ning Z, Wu L, Yang L, Liao H, Chen B, Tang J, Xu R, Guo F, Liu S. Serum globulin in children with myasthenia gravis: predicting relapse and prognosis. Neurol Res 2024; 46:669-678. [PMID: 38602312 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2024.2340883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Serum globulin is associated with inflammatory or immune disorders. However, it has not been established whether it is associated with myasthenia gravis (MG). We investigated the association between globulin with relapse and prognosis in children with MG. METHODS A cohort of 148 MG cases and 150 healthy children were retrospectively enrolled from January 2015 to December 2021. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression models were used to analyze the treatment outcomes and recurrence of case group, exploring the influence of globulin. RESULTS Compared with the control group, globulin levels in the MG group were slightly increased (t = 7.244, p < 0.001). After a mean follow-up of 2.25 ± 1.05 years, 35 cases relapsed, with a relapse rate of 23.65%. Logistic regression analysis showed that globulin levels at admission [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.233, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.028-1.472, p = 0.018] were independent risk factors for relapse. Cox regression analysis confirmed that globulin levels at admission affects relapse-free time [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.552, 95% CI 0.357-0.852, p = 0.007]. Receiver operating characteristic curve determined 25.10 as the optimal cutoff value for globulin. Cox regression showed that high globulin levels (>25.10) at admission (adjusted HR = 0.607, 95% CI 0.383-0.961, p = 0.033) were independent risk factors for poor therapeutic outcomes at follow-up. Ordinal logistic regression showed that globulin affects the treatment plan (OR = 1.445, 95% CI 1.223-1.847, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Elevated globulin levels in children with MG on admission predicts a high relapse rate and poor long-term therapeutic efficacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zeshu Ning
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Liwen Wu
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Liming Yang
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hongmei Liao
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jingwen Tang
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Xu
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shulei Liu
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
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Lu M, Reisch J, Iannaccone S, Batley K. Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis in North Texas: Clinical Features, Treatment Response, and Outcomes. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 156:10-14. [PMID: 38688232 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes fatigable muscle weakness in children aged <18 years. There is currently no curative treatment or internationally accepted standard of care for JMG. The objective is to investigate relationships between clinical presentation, antibody status, severity of disease onset, electrodiagnostic evaluation, and response to therapy in JMG. METHODS This study was a retrospective chart review. Congenital myasthenic syndromes were excluded. Data on demographics, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Disease severity was evaluated using Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) clinical classifications. RESULTS We identified 84 patients with JMG at Children's Medical Center Dallas between January 2014 and February 2022. It was found that 52% of patients presented with ocular JMG (median onset age 4.5 years) and 48% with generalized JMG (median onset age 11.5 years); 81% tested positive for acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Patients were 17% non-Hispanic white, 29% Hispanic, 39% black, and 12% Asian. There was a significant difference in average MGFA scores between ethnicities (P = 0.047) and age groups (P = 0.004), with postpubertal patients having higher average MGFA scores than prepubertal patients. Seventy-one percent of patients who underwent thymectomy experienced a decrease in MGFA scores postprocedure. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that there were significant differences in disease severity between ethnicities and age groups and that most patients who underwent thymectomy showed clinical improvement. These outcomes highlight the need for additional therapies in the treatment of JMG and the importance of extending clinical trials to the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Lu
- Pediatric Neuromuscular Division, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
| | - Joan Reisch
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Susan Iannaccone
- Pediatric Neuromuscular Division, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kaitlin Batley
- Pediatric Neuromuscular Division, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Zambelis T, Zouvelou V, Anagnostou E. SFEMG in extensor digitorum communis and tibialis anterior: Relative sensitivity in myasthenia gravis. Neurophysiol Clin 2024; 54:102957. [PMID: 38547682 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2024.102957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zambelis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Neurology, Aeghinition Hospital. 74 Vass. Sofias Ave. 115-28, Athens, Greece.
| | - Vasiliki Zouvelou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Neurology, Aeghinition Hospital. 74 Vass. Sofias Ave. 115-28, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Anagnostou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Neurology, Aeghinition Hospital. 74 Vass. Sofias Ave. 115-28, Athens, Greece
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Fan YF, Tu SJ, Liu Y, Li XM, Liu TJ, Zhou LY. Investigation of the differential susceptibility of extraocular muscles in patients diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis based on the computerized diplopia test and the Ocular Motor Nerve Palsy Scale. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1353248. [PMID: 38872815 PMCID: PMC11169849 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1353248] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pattern of extraocular muscle involvement in ocular myasthenia gravis varies across different reports, diverging from our own observations. Thus, we employed two novel tools to discern this pattern. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted to collect and organize clinical data from 43 patients diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis. Each patient underwent both the computerized diplopia test and the Ocular Motor Nerve Palsy Scale assessment to evaluate the involvement of extraocular muscles. Results Among the patients, there were 30 male and 13 female individuals, with a total of 113 affected extraocular muscles identified. Among all the affected extraocular muscles, the involvement of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle accounted for 35.40%, medial rectus muscle 7.7%, lateral rectus muscle 16.81%, superior rectus muscle 13.27%, inferior rectus muscle 12.39%, superior oblique muscle 1.77%, and inferior oblique muscle 2.65% of the total affected extraocular muscles. The positivity rates of the Neostigmine test were 89.19%, AChR antibody detection was 59.38%, and repetitive nerve stimulation was 34.38%. The AChR antibody positive rate among patients with only diplopia was 100%; among those with only ptosis, it was 80%; and among those with both diplopia and ptosis, it was 86.67%. Conclusion The involvement of the extraocular muscles is not uniform. The levator palpebrae superioris exhibits the highest incidence rate, followed by the four rectus muscles and two oblique muscles. The inferior oblique involvement typically occurs when four or more EOMs are affected. Moreover, the levator palpebrae superioris and medial rectus show a higher tendency for bilateral involvement compared with other extraocular muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-fei Fan
- Ocular Motility Disorder Treatment & Rehabilitation Center, Department of Acupuncture, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Sai-jun Tu
- Ocular Motility Disorder Treatment & Rehabilitation Center, Department of Acupuncture, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yani Liu
- Ocular Motility Disorder Treatment & Rehabilitation Center, Department of Acupuncture, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xue-mei Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Tie-juan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ling-yun Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Yang X, Jiang J, Ao Y, Zheng Y, Gao J, Wang H, Liang F, Wang Q, Tan L, Wang S, Ding J. Perioperative outcomes and survival of modified subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy for T 2-3 thymic malignancies: A retrospective comparison study. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024:S0022-5223(24)00367-2. [PMID: 38692477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2024.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our previous study demonstrated that modified subxiphoid video-assisted thoracic surgery thymectomy with an auxiliary sternal retractor is feasible for locally invasive thymic malignancies. This study aimed to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes of modified subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy versus median sternotomy thymectomy for locally advanced thymic malignancies. METHODS In total, 221 patients with T2-3 thymic malignancies who underwent modified subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy or median sternotomy thymectomy between 2015 and 2020 were enrolled in our prospectively maintained database. A 1:1 propensity score-matching analysis was performed to balance the bias. Surgical difficulty was evaluated with a modified resection index. Perioperative and oncological results were compared between the modified subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy group and the median sternotomy thymectomy group. RESULTS There were 72 patients in each group in the final analysis. Our results showed that the modified subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy group had a shorter operative duration (98 vs 129 minutes, P < .001), less blood loss (40 vs 100 mL, P < .001), shorter drainage duration (3 vs 5 days, P < .001), shorter length of hospital stay (5 vs 6 days, P < .001), and fewer postoperative complications (5.6% vs 23.6%; P = .005). No significant difference was detected in complete resection (98.6% vs 98.6%, P = 1.000) between the 2 groups. Conversion occurred in 5 of 106 patients (4.7%). Survival analyses indicated similar recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.40-2.20; P = .883) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.05-5.02; P = .590) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Modified subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy was safe and effective for T2-3 thymic malignancies and could be an alternative for selected patients with locally advanced thymic diseases. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term survival of those undergoing modified subxiphoid approach thoracoscopic thymectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Ao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuansheng Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Liang
- Department of Biostatistics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijie Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jianyong Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Djordjevic I, Garai N, Peric S, Karanovic J, Pesovic J, Brkusanin M, Lavrnic D, Apostolski S, Savic-Pavicevic D, Basta I. Association between Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Antigen 4 (CTLA-4) Locus and Early-Onset Anti-acetylcholine Receptor-Positive Myasthenia Gravis in Serbian Patients. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04183-8. [PMID: 38652350 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04183-8] [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] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have provided strong evidence that early- and late-onset MG have different genetic backgrounds. Recent in silico analysis based on GWAS results revealed rs231735 and rs231770 variants within CTLA-4 locus as possible MG causative genetic factors. We aimed to explore the association of rs231735 and rs231770 with MG in a representative cohort of Serbian patients. We conducted an age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched case-control study. Using TaqMan allele discrimination assays, the frequency of rs231735 and rs231770 genetic variants was examined in 447 AChR-MG patients and 447 matched controls. There was no significant association of rs231735 and rs231770 with the entire MG cohort (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, when stratifying patients into early-onset (n = 183) and late-onset MG (n = 264), we found early-onset patients had a significantly lower frequency of the rs231735 allele T compared to controls (OR = 0.734, 95% CI = 0.575-0.938, p10e6 permutation < 0.05), and rs231735 genotype TT and rs231770 genotype TT had a protective effect on early-onset MG (OR = 0.548, 95% CI = 0.339-0.888, and OR = 0.563, 95% CI = 0.314-1.011, p10e6 permutation < 0.05). Consequently, we found that individuals with the rs231735-rs231770 haplotype GC had a higher risk for developing early-onset MG (OR = 1.360, P = 0.027, p10e6 permutation < 0.05). Our results suggest that CTLA-4 rs231735 and rs231770 may be risk factors only for patients with early-onset MG in Serbian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Djordjevic
- University Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurology Clinic, 6 Dr Subotića starijeg street, Belgrade, 11129, Serbia.
| | - Nemanja Garai
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Center for Human Molecular Genetics, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stojan Peric
- University Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurology Clinic, 6 Dr Subotića starijeg street, Belgrade, 11129, Serbia
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Karanovic
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Laboratory for Molecular Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovan Pesovic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Center for Human Molecular Genetics, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milos Brkusanin
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Center for Human Molecular Genetics, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Lavrnic
- University Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurology Clinic, 6 Dr Subotića starijeg street, Belgrade, 11129, Serbia
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Dusanka Savic-Pavicevic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Center for Human Molecular Genetics, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Basta
- University Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurology Clinic, 6 Dr Subotića starijeg street, Belgrade, 11129, Serbia
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
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Kessi M, Tang Y, Chen B, Wang G, Zhang C, He F, Peng J, Yin F, Yang L. Pediatric Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: Single-Center Experience. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 153:137-143. [PMID: 38382246 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there is no universally accepted standard treatment for ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) in children. We aimed to investigate the possible proper regimens and timing of treatment for pediatric OMG cases based on the clinical manifestations: OMG with ptosis only and OMG with other features. METHODS One hundred and forty two OMG cases attended at the Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, from 2010 to 2019 were included, and information from medical records was reviewed and recorded. Comparisons of clinical characteristics between patients with OMG with ptosis only and patients with OMG with other features as well as between patients treated with glucocorticoid (GC) within or after six months from disease onset were performed. RESULTS OMG with other features constituted about 54.9% of the cases, and 66.2% of the patients achieved optimal outcome. Patients with OMG with ptosis only responded to pyridostigmine alone more than patients with OMG with other features who required several therapies (P < 0.001). Patients with OMG with ptosis only had a larger proportion of optimal outcome than the patients with OMG with other features (P = 0.002), and the difference remained significant even when the individual outcome groups were compared (P < 0.001). Patients who received GC within six months had a greater proportion of optimal outcome than those who received it after six months (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although OMG with other features is a more common subtype of OMG, it is also more severe than OMG with ptosis only. An earlier addition of GC leads to optimal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yulin Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guoli Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Children Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ciliu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Children Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Children Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Children Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Children Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Children Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Qiu L, Chen P, Ou C, Deng J, Huang Z, Lin Z, Ma Q, Huang X, Yu L, Ran H, Liu W. Long-term efficacy and safety of leflunomide combined with low-dose prednisone in treatment of myasthenia gravis: a retrospective study. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:175-182. [PMID: 37656361 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02367-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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leflunomide and low-dose prednisone (0.25 mg/kg/day) (LEF + Pred) rapidly improved the clinical symptoms of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. Here, we aimed to analyze the long-term efficacy and safety of LEF + Pred in MG patients. METHODS This retrospective cohort study enrolled MG patients treated with LEF + Pred in our center between 2012 and 2020. We reviewed all the MG patients continuously treated with LEF + Pred for more than 1 year. MG activities of daily living (MG-ADL) profile score and quantitative MG scale (QMG) score in each clinical follow-up visits were collected for the efficacy analysis. The laboratory testing results of MG patients, the relevant chief complain and physical examination results in each follow-up visits were collected for the safety evaluation. RESULTS In total, 103 patients were examined. Effective treatment was achieved in 58.3% of patients after 1 month and in 88.4% after 12 months. Overall, 63 patients (61.2%) exhibited only minimal manifestations after 12 months of treatment. The average MG-ADL score decreased from 6.0 to 1.0, while the average QMG score decreased from 10.0 to 4.0. The decrease in MG-ADL and QMG scores of patients with generalized MG was more pronounced than those of the ocular MG patients. Patients with MG who had a thymectomy had a smaller decrease in MG-ADL and QMG scores than those who did not have a thymectomy. Sixteen adverse effects associated with LEF + Pred were observed; none was severe. CONCLUSIONS Long-term LEF + Pred therapy could considerably improve clinical symptoms in MG patients while being well tolerated with just few side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changyi Ou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhidong Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongqiang Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Ran
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Weibin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China.
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9
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Tian W, Yu H, Sun Y, He J, Wu Q, Ma C, Jiao P, Huang C, Li D, Tong H. Thymoma negatively affects the neurological outcome of myasthenia gravis after thymectomy: a propensity score matching study. J Cardiothorac Surg 2024; 19:37. [PMID: 38297367 PMCID: PMC10829313 DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02511-6] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymoma and myasthenia gravis (MG) interact with each other. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of thymoma on neurological outcome of MG patients after thymectomy using the propensity score matching (PSM) method. METHODS Consecutive patients with MG who underwent thymectomy at Beijing Hospital between January 2012 and August 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical and follow-up data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 software. PSM was performed to eliminate selection bias. RESULTS A total of 456 patients were included in this study. Thymoma was present in 138 (30.3%) patients. The median follow-up time was 72 (range, 12-135) months. At the last follow-up, a lower proportion of thymomatous MG patients achieved complete stable remission (CSR) compared with non-thymomatous MG patients (P = 0.011), and the effective rate [CSR + pharmatologic remission (PR) + minimal manifestations (MM)] of thymomatous MG patients was also lower (P = 0.037). Considering time to CSR, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed thymomatous MG patients had lower cumulative CSR rate than non-thymomatous MG patients (log-rank, P = 0.019). After PSM, 105 pairs of patients were matched successfully. For the matched patients, thymomatous MG patients had a lower CSR rate and a lower effective rate (P = 0.002, 0.039, respectively), and K-M analysis still showed thymomatous MG patients had lower cumulative CSR rate (log-rank, P = 0.048). Multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that thymoma (HR: 0.592, 95% CI 0.389-0.900, P = 0.014), older age at the time of surgery (HR: 0.971, 95% CI 0.953-0.990, P = 0.003), and preoperative course of MG > 12 months (HR: 0.474, 95% CI 0.317-0.708, P = 0.000) were negative predictive factors for CSR. CONCLUSIONS Thymoma had a negative effect on the neurological outcome of MG after thymectomy. MG patients with old age and a preoperative course of longer than one year had a lower probability of achieving CSR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanbo Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaoguang Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingjun Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Jiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfeng Tong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Sun J, Sun M, Li X, Xie Q, Zhang W, Wang M. MicroRNA‑155‑5p affects regulatory T cell activation and immunosuppressive function by targeting BCL10 in myasthenia gravis. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:6. [PMID: 38223327 PMCID: PMC10785013 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The imbalance in immune homeostasis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG). MicroRNAs (miRs) have been identified as key regulators of immune homeostasis. B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 10 (BCL10) has been implicated in the activation and suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). This study aimed to investigate the potential role of miR-155-5p in modulating the activation and function of Tregs in MG. To achieve this objective, blood samples were collected from MG patients to assess the expression levels of miR-155-5p and BCL10, as well as the proportion of circulating Tregs, in comparison to healthy controls. The correlation between miR-155-5p and BCL10 levels was evaluated in human samples. The expression levels of miR-155-5p and the numbers of circulating Tregs were also examined in an animal model of experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG). A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify whether miR-155-5p can target BCL10. To determine the regulatory function of BCL10 in Tregs, CD4+ CD25+ Tregs were transfected with either small interfering-BCL10 or miR-155-5p inhibitor, and the expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and transcription factors Foxp3, TGF-β1, CTLA4, and ICOS were measured. The results demonstrated that the expression level of miR-155-5p was significantly higher in patients with MG compared with that in healthy controls, whereas the expression level of BCL10 was significantly decreased in patients with MG. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between the expression levels of miR-155-5p and BCL10. The number of circulating Tregs was significantly reduced in patients with MG and in the spleen of rats with EAMG compared with that in the corresponding control groups. The dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-155-5p could target BCL10. The Tregs transfected with si-BCL10 demonstrated significant decreases in the protein levels of TGF-β1 and IL-10, as well as in the mRNA expression levels of Foxp3, TGF-β1, CTLA-4 and ICOS. Conversely, the Tregs transfected with the miR-155-5p inhibitor exhibited a substantial increase in these protein and mRNA expression levels compared with their respective control groups. Furthermore, the knockdown of BCL10 exhibited a decline in the suppressive efficacy of Tregs on the proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Conversely, the suppression of miR-155-5p expression attenuated the inhibition of the BCL10 gene, potentially causing an indirect influence on the suppressive capability of Tregs on the proliferation of CD4+ T cells. BCL10 was thus found to contribute to the activation and immunosuppressive function of Tregs. In summary, the present study demonstrated that miR-155-5p inhibited the activation and immunosuppressive function of Tregs by targeting BCL10, which may be used as a future potential target for the treatment of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
| | - Mengjiao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
| | - Qinfang Xie
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, Qinghai 810007, P.R. China
| | - Manxia Wang
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
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11
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Li S, Zhang Z, Liu Z. Therapeutic effect of ofatumumab in patients with myasthenia gravis: immunoregulation of follicular T helper cells and T helper type 17 cells. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1278250. [PMID: 38146439 PMCID: PMC10749496 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1278250] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to study the therapeutic effects of ofatumumab in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) in addition to the immunomodulatory effects on peripheral follicular T helper (Tfh) cells and T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. Methods Thirty-one patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive MG were included in this study. At weeks 0, 1, 2, and 4, an initial dose of 20 mg of ofatumumab was injected subcutaneously, with a 2-month follow-up after completing this first cycle. At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, we assessed the Quantitative MG (QMG), 15-item MG-Quality of Life (MG-QOL15), and MG-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scales and measured the frequencies of Tfh, Th17, and B cells and the levels of anti-AChR antibody, IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17 in the peripheral blood. Results At 1 month and 3 months, the QMG, MG-QOL15, and MG-ADL scores were all significantly reduced. At 3 months, doses of prednisone were reduced by an average of 37%. Decreased frequencies of Tfh and Th17 cells, depletion of B cells, and reduced levels of IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17 were all observed at 1 month or 3 months. Discussion Therefore, the therapeutic effect of ofatumumab could be detected after one cycle of treatment, which was maintained for 2 months. The immunomodulatory effect of ofatumumab during the observation period may involve depletion of B cells, reduction of Tfh and Th17 cells frequencies, and reduced levels of IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17. The findings provide novel data for the potential application of ofatumumab in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Li
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoxu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zunjing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Chang CC, Liu TC, Lu CJ, Chiu HC, Lin WN. Machine learning strategy for identifying altered gut microbiomes for diagnostic screening in myasthenia gravis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1227300. [PMID: 37829445 PMCID: PMC10565662 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1227300] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular junction disease with a complex pathophysiology and clinical variation for which no clear biomarker has been discovered. We hypothesized that because changes in gut microbiome composition often occur in autoimmune diseases, the gut microbiome structures of patients with MG would differ from those without, and supervised machine learning (ML) analysis strategy could be trained using data from gut microbiota for diagnostic screening of MG. Genomic DNA from the stool samples of MG and those without were collected and established a sequencing library by constructing amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and completing taxonomic classification of each representative DNA sequence. Four ML methods, namely least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest, and classification and regression trees with nested leave-one-out cross-validation were trained using ASV taxon-based data and full ASV-based data to identify key ASVs in each data set. The results revealed XGBoost to have the best predicted performance. Overlapping key features extracted when XGBoost was trained using the full ASV-based and ASV taxon-based data were identified, and 31 high-importance ASVs (HIASVs) were obtained, assigned importance scores, and ranked. The most significant difference observed was in the abundance of bacteria in the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families. The 31 HIASVs were used to train the XGBoost algorithm to differentiate individuals with and without MG. The model had high diagnostic classification power and could accurately predict and identify patients with MG. In addition, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae was associated with limb weakness severity. In this study, we discovered that the composition of gut microbiomes differed between MG and non-MG subjects. In addition, the proposed XGBoost model trained using 31 HIASVs had the most favorable performance with respect to analyzing gut microbiomes. These HIASVs selected by the ML model may serve as biomarkers for clinical use and mechanistic study in the future. Our proposed ML model can identify several taxonomic markers and effectively discriminate patients with MG from those without with a high accuracy, the ML strategy can be applied as a benchmark to conduct noninvasive screening of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Cheng Chang
- PhD Program in Nutrition and Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chi Liu
- Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jie Lu
- Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Artificial Intelligence Development Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Information Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hou-Chang Chiu
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Medical University, Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ning Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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13
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Gosain D, Das T. Myasthenia Gravis Presenting as Bulbar Palsy. Cureus 2023; 15:e46082. [PMID: 37900462 PMCID: PMC10611170 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46082] [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] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune condition that affects postsynaptic cholinergic receptors, resulting in symptoms of muscular fatigue. Clinical signs could be subtle and variable, often leading to many differentials. This leads to inappropriate tests being performed and a delay in diagnosis. Although ocular signs are more common, it may rarely present as bulbar palsy. Our patient, in her 30s, was referred to the emergency department after six months of symptom onset when she was discovered to be at a high risk of silent aspiration. Her presentation was predominantly bulbar palsy, but after appropriate tests, she was eventually diagnosed with generalized myasthenia gravis with a concurrent thymoma. Her treatment included pyridostigmine, corticosteroid, and immunoglobulins, while a thymectomy was scheduled as a planned procedure. Prompt diagnosis and timely management can reduce morbidity and mortality in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Gosain
- General Internal Medicine, Peterborough City Hospital, Peterborough, GBR
| | - Tapas Das
- Gastroenterology, Peterborough City Hospital, Peterborough, GBR
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14
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Yaman A, Kurtuluş Aydın F. Therapeutic and prognostic features in myasthenia gravis patients followed in a tertiary neuromuscular diseases center in Turkey. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1176636. [PMID: 37602241 PMCID: PMC10436092 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1176636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In this study, we aim to evaluate the treatment responses and prognostic characteristics of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) patients followed in a tertiary neuromuscular diseases center in Turkey. Methods One hundred seventy four MG patients (between years 2011 and 2022) in Antalya, Turkey were diagnosed, and evaluated on a classification of MG was based on Myasthenia. Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) clinical classification. Exclusion of other possible diseases in the differential diagnosis and support by beneficial response to treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were also taken into consideration. Results Mean age of participants was 54.86 (SD = 14.856; min-max = 22-84). Ninety (51.7%) were female. MG was more common in women under the age of 65 (58%) and in men over the age of 65 (64%). Generalized MG was seen in 75.3% of the patients. Anti-AChR positivities were detected in 52.3%, Anti-MuSK positivity in 4.6%, and seronegativity in 22.4%. Thymoma was detected in nearly 9.8% and thymectomy was performed in 28.7 percent. Most of the patients (57.5%) were using corticosteroids. Azathioprine was used by 39% and mycophenolate mofetil by 10.3% of patients. Mortality was higher and disease was more severe in late-onset (>50 years) MG patients (especially in the COVID-19 pandemic). Eight patients (four women, four men, mean age 75.5 years) died during follow-up. None of them died due to myasthenic worsening, two died due to malignancy and two due to infection. During the COVID pandemic, 16 patients (9.2%) had COVID infection. Four patients died due to COVID-19 infection, these four patients had serious comorbidities, and three of them were elderly (>75 years). Conclusion In conclusion, MG is more common in women between the ages of 20-40 and in men over the age of 65. The use of corticosteroids was more common under the age of 50, and the use of non-steroidal immunosuppressant agents was more common over the age of 50. Thymectomy is still an important supportive treatment approach in anti-AChR positive and seronegative generalized patients under 50 years of age. IVIG and plasmapheresis are effective treatments during acute exacerbations and bridging periods of treatments. Specific treatments are needed especially for resistant group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Yaman
- Neurology Department, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Fatma Kurtuluş Aydın
- Neurology Department, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
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15
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Myllynen C, Sarkkinen J, Atula S, Tienari P, Kekäläinen E, Laakso SM. A skewed ratio of free light chains is more common in patients with late-onset than early-onset myasthenia gravis. Immunol Lett 2023; 260:S0165-2478(23)00113-X. [PMID: 37414259 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.07.001] [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: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody-mediated neuromuscular disease with an unpredictable clinical course. Serum free light chains (FLCs) have risen as a promising biomarker for MG, but their role in different subtypes of MG and in predicting disease progression is still uncharted. We investigated plasma from 58 generalized MG patients during post-thymectomy follow-up to determine κ and λ FLC and κ/λ ratio. In a subcohort of 30 patients, we examined the expression of 92 proteins associated with immuno-oncology using Olink. We further studied the ability of FLCs or proteomic markers to differentiate disease severity. Patients with late-onset MG (LOMG) displayed significantly higher mean κ/λ ratio than patients with early-onset MG (P=0.004). Inducible T-cell co-stimulator ligand (ICOSLG), matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and arginase 1 (ARG1) were differentially expressed in MG patients compared to healthy controls. There were no significant associations between clinical outcomes and FLCs or the assayed proteins. In conclusion, an elevated κ/λ ratio suggests long-lasting aberrant clonal plasma cell function in LOMG. Immuno-oncology-related proteomic analysis showed alterations in immunoregulatory pathways. Our findings pinpoint the FLC ratio as a biomarker for LOMG and call for further investigation of the immunoregulatory pathways in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Myllynen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Joona Sarkkinen
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sari Atula
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Neurology, Neurocenter, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pentti Tienari
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Neurology, Neurocenter, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eliisa Kekäläinen
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sini M Laakso
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Neurology, Neurocenter, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Bi Z, Ge H, Zhang Q, Gao H, Yang M, Zhan J, Lin J, Gui M, Li Y, Ji S, Cao Y, Bu B. Clinical Features, Treatment, and Prognostic Factors of Childhood-Onset Myasthenia Gravis in a Large Chinese Cohort. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 146:31-39. [PMID: 37421800 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe the clinical features of patients with childhood-onset myasthenia gravis (MG) (CMG) and explore predictors affecting the treatment outcomes. METHODS A retrospective observational cohort analysis of 859 patients with CMG with disease onset before age 14 years was performed at Tongji Hospital. RESULTS Patients in the pubertal-onset group (n = 148) had a worse disease course than those in the prepubertal group (n = 711), including a higher incidence of generalized MG (GMG) at presentation, generalization of ocular MG (OMG), and more severe Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification. All patients were initially treated with pyridostigmine, 657 with prednisone, and 196 with immunosuppressants (ISs). However, 226 patients were resistant to prednisone treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that thymic hyperplasia, higher MGFA class, disease duration before prednisone administration, and thymectomy before prednisone administration were independent predictors of prednisone resistance. At the last visit, 121 of the 840 patients with OMG had developed GMG after a median of 10.0 years from symptom onset and 186 patients (21.7%) achieved complete stable remission (CSR). In multivariable analysis, age at onset, thymic hyperplasia, prednisone, and IS treatment were associated with generalization, whereas age at onset, disease duration, anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR-ab), MGFA class II, short-term prednisone treatment, and IS treatment were associated with CSR. CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients with CMG have mild clinical symptoms and favorable outcomes, especially those with earlier onset age, shorter disease duration, and negative AChR-ab. In addition, early prednisone and ISs are shown to be effective and safe for most patients with CMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuajin Bi
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huizhen Ge
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huajie Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengge Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiayang Zhan
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengcui Gui
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Suqiong Ji
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yayun Cao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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17
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Harada Y, Bettin M, Juel VC, Hobson-Webb LD, Raja SM, Sanders DB, Massey JM. Pregnancy in MuSK-positive myasthenia gravis: A single-center case series. Muscle Nerve 2023. [PMID: 37150596 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27839] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Myasthenia gravis (MG) with muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies (MMG) is predominantly seen in women of childbearing age. Our objective in this study was to describe the course of MMG during pregnancy and within 6 months postpartum, and to document any effect on fetal health. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of medical records of patients with MMG seen in the Duke Myasthenia Gravis Clinic from 2003 to 2022. MMG patients with onset of MMG symptoms before or during pregnancy as well as within 6 months postpartum were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 14 pregnancies in 10 patients were included in our study cohort. Initial MG symptoms developed during pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum in six patients. Four patients had two pregnancies, three of whom developed MG during their first pregnancy. In the patients diagnosed before pregnancy, MG symptoms increased in five of eight patients during pregnancy or postpartum. Four patients required rescue therapy with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin during pregnancy or postpartum. One patient had a cesarean section after prolonged labor due to failure of progression. There were no other complications of pregnancy or delivery, and all infants were healthy at delivery. DISCUSSION As in non-MuSK MG, women with MMG may also have worsening or may develop initial MG symptoms during pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum. More aggressive medical therapy may be required for pregnant patients with MMG. Further study is needed to identify the mechanism and risk of worsening of MMG during pregnancy or postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Harada
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Margaret Bettin
- Division of Neurology, Centra Neurology, Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Vern C Juel
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa D Hobson-Webb
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shruti M Raja
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donald B Sanders
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Janice M Massey
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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18
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Mastromarino MG, Bacchin D, Aprile V, Ceccarelli I, Korasidis S, Lenzini A, Ambrogi MC, Lucchi M. Unradical Surgery for Locally-Advanced Thymoma: Is it time to evolve Perspectives? Lung Cancer 2023; 180:107214. [PMID: 37104878 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nearly-one-third of thymomas are locally-advanced at diagnosis. The traditional dogma that surgery is justified in case a complete resection can be achieved has remained unmovable until today. This study aimed to investigate feasibility and oncologic efficacy of incomplete resection for locally-advanced thymomas in a contest of multimodality therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted using data of prospectively maintained thymomas database in a single high-volume centre. Data on 285 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for stage III and IVa thymomas between 1995 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients who underwent incomplete resection with curative-intent (removal of at least 90% of tumour burden) were included. Long-term outcomes and predictors of cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. Secondary endpoint was to assess adjuvant therapy efficacy. RESULTS The study included 79 patients, 60 with microscopic residual tumour (76%, R1) and 19 with macroscopic residual disease (24%, R2). Masaoka-Koga stage was: III in 41 patients (52%) and IVa in 38 (48%). Histology was B2-thymomas (n = 31, 39.2%) followed by B3 (n = 27, 34.2%). Five- and 10-years CSS was 88% and 80%. Seventy patients (90%) underwent adjuvant treatment; they showed CSS comparable to radical resected patients (5-years: 89.1% vs 98.9%, respectively; 10-years: 81.8% vs 92.7%, respectively, p = 0.43). The site of residual disease, Masaoka-Koga stage and WHO histology did not affect prognosis. Stepwise multivariable analysis confirmed adjuvant therapy as a favourable CSS prognostic factor (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33-0.79, p = 0.003). Stratifying by subgroups, R2-patients who received postoperative chemo(radio)therapy (pCRT) showed a significantly better prognosis than R2-patients treated by consolidation radiotherapy alone (10-years CSS: 60%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In locally-advanced thymomas, whenever a radical surgery cannot be achieved, incomplete resection has proved to be effective in a contest of multimodality strategy, independently of WHO histology, Masaoka-Koga stage and site of residual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giovanna Mastromarino
- Division of Thoracic Surgery; Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department; Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Diana Bacchin
- Division of Thoracic Surgery; Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department; Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Vittorio Aprile
- Division of Thoracic Surgery; Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department; Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56124, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Ceccarelli
- Division of Thoracic Surgery; Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department; Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Stylianos Korasidis
- Division of Thoracic Surgery; Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department; Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lenzini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery; Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department; Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Marcello Carlo Ambrogi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery; Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department; Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Marco Lucchi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery; Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department; Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
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Álvarez-Velasco R, Dols-Icardo O, El Bounasri S, López-Vilaró L, Trujillo JC, Reyes-Leiva D, Suárez-Calvet X, Cortés-Vicente E, Illa I, Gallardo E. Reduced Number of Thymoma CTLA4-Positive Cells Is Associated With a Higher Probability of Developing Myasthenia Gravis. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2023; 10:10/2/e200085. [PMID: 36697230 PMCID: PMC9879278 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease associated with comorbid thymoma in 10%-15% of cases. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) expressed by T cells downregulates T-cell-mediated immune response. Polymorphisms in the CTLA4 gene have been associated with the development of MG. In this context, we aimed to determine whether CTLA4 expression in the thymoma differs between patients with and without MG and whether CTLA4 gene polymorphisms are associated with these differences. METHODS This is a retrospective study of all patients, with and without MG, surgically treated at our institution for thymoma between January 2010 and December 2020. Ten samples were obtained from normal thymuses as controls. The number of CTLA4-positive cells in paraffin-embedded thymoma samples was determined by immunohistochemistry. The presence of follicular-center and regulatory T-cell lymphocytes was determined by immunohistochemistry (B-cell lymphoma [BCL]-6 expression) and double immunofluorescence-based staining of CD4-FOXP3, respectively. We evaluated the association between thymic expression of CTLA4 and the development of MG. We also determined the association between CTLA4 expression and various clinical and prognostic characteristics of MG. We sequenced the CTLA4 gene and evaluated possible associations between CTLA4 polymorphisms and thymic CTLA4 expression. Finally, we assessed the potential association between these polymorphisms and the risk of MG. RESULTS Forty-one patients with thymoma were included. Of them, 23 had comorbid MG (56.1%). On average, patients with MG had fewer CTLA4-positive cells in the thymoma than non-MG patients: 69.3 cells/mm2 (95% CIs: 39.6-99.1) vs 674.4 (276.0-1,024.0) cells/mm2; p = 0.001 and vs controls (200.74 [57.9-343.6] cells/mm2; p = 0.02). No between-group differences (MG vs non-MG) were observed in the number of cells positive for BCL6 or CD4-FOXP3. CTLA4 expression was not associated with differences in MG outcome or treatment refractoriness. Two polymorphisms were detected in the CTLA4 gene, rs231770 (n = 30 patients) and rs231775 (n = 17). MG was present in a similar proportion of patients for all genotypes. However, a nonsignificant trend toward a lower CTLA4-positive cell count was observed among carriers of the rs231775 polymorphism vs noncarriers: 77.9 cells/mm2 (95% CI: -51.5 to 207.5) vs 343.3 cells/mm2 (95% CI: 126.2-560.4). DISCUSSION Reduced CTLA4 expression in thymoma may predispose to a higher risk of developing MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Álvarez-Velasco
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
| | - Oriol Dols-Icardo
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
| | - Shaima El Bounasri
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
| | - Laura López-Vilaró
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
| | - Juan Carlos Trujillo
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
| | - David Reyes-Leiva
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
| | - Xavier Suárez-Calvet
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
| | - Elena Cortés-Vicente
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
| | - Isabel Illa
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
| | - Eduard Gallardo
- From the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L., E.C.-V., I.I.), Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Department of Medicine (R.Á.-V., D.R.-L.), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona; Memory Unit (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Neurology Department and Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) (O.D.-I., S.E.B.), Madrid; Departments of Pathology (L.L.-V.) and Thoracic Surgery (J.C.T.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Neuromuscular Diseases Group (X.S.-C., E.G.), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (E.G.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid.
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20
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Tang YL, Ruan Z, Su Y, Guo RJ, Gao T, Liu Y, Li HH, Sun C, Li ZY, Chang T. Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Very late-onset Myasthenia Gravis in China. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:358-366. [PMID: 36990040 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.02.013] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Alteration in onset-age distribution in myasthenia gravis (MG) and its increasing prevalence among the elderly underscores the need for a better understanding of the clinical course of MG and the establishment of personalized treatment. In this study we reviewed the demographics, clinical profile, and treatment of MG. Based on onset age, eligible patients were classified as early-onset MG (onset age ≥18 and <50 years), late-onset MG (onset age ≥50 and <65 years), and very late-onset MG (onset age ≥65 years). Overall, 1160 eligible patients were enrolled. Patients with late- and very late-onset MG showed a male predominance (P=0.02), ocular MG subtype (P=0.001), and seropositivity for acetylcholine receptors and titin antibodies (P<0.001). In very late-onset MG, a lower proportion of patients retained minimal manifestations status or better, a higher proportion of patients had MG-related deaths (P<0.001), and a shorter maintenance time of minimal manifestation status or better was seen at the last follow-up (P=0.007) than that in patients with early- and late-onset MG. Non-immunotherapy may associated with a poor prognosis in patients in the very late-onset group. Further studies on very late-onset MG patients should be performed to evaluate the relationship between immunotherapy and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Lan Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Zhe Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China.
| | - Yue Su
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Rong-Jing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Huan-Huan Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Zhu-Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China.
| | - Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China.
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21
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Mori S, Suzuki S, Konishi T, Kawaguchi N, Kishi M, Kuwabara S, Ishizuchi K, Zhou H, Shibasaki F, Tsumoto H, Omura T, Miura Y, Mori S, Higashihara M, Murayama S, Shigemoto K. Proteolytic ectodomain shedding of muscle-specific tyrosine kinase in myasthenia gravis. Exp Neurol 2023; 361:114300. [PMID: 36525997 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autoantibodies to muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) proteins at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) cause refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) with dyspnea more frequently than other MG subtypes. However, the mechanisms via which MuSK, a membrane protein locally expressed on the NMJ of skeletal muscle, is supplied to the immune system as an autoantigen remains unknown. Here, we identified MuSK in both mouse and human serum, with the amount of MuSK dramatically increasing in mice with motor nerve denervation and in MG model mice. Peptide analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmed the presence of MuSK in both human and mouse serum. Furthermore, some patients with MG have significantly higher amounts of MuSK in serum than healthy controls. Our results indicated that the secretion of MuSK proteins from muscles into the bloodstream was induced by ectodomain shedding triggered by neuromuscular junction failure. The results may explain why MuSK-MG is refractory to treatments and causes rapid muscle atrophy in some patients due to the denervation associated with Ab-induced disruption of neuromuscular transmission at the NMJ. Such discoveries pave the way for new MG treatments, and MuSK may be used as a biomarker for other neuromuscular diseases in preclinical studies, clinical diagnostics, therapeutics, and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuuichi Mori
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Naoki Kawaguchi
- Dowa Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology Clinic Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kishi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Chiba University School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kei Ishizuchi
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Heying Zhou
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Futoshi Shibasaki
- Department of Genome Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tsumoto
- Research Team for Mechanism of Aging, TMIG, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Omura
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuri Miura
- Research Team for Mechanism of Aging, TMIG, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seijiro Mori
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mana Higashihara
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo (TMGHIG), Japan
| | | | - Kazuhiro Shigemoto
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan.
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22
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Marcuse F, Hoeijmakers JG, Hochstenbag M, Hamid MA, Keijzers M, Mané-Damas M, Martinez-Martinez P, Verschuuren J, Kuks J, Beekman R, van der Kooi AJ, van Doorn P, van Es M, Maessen JJ, De Baets MH. Outcomes after robotic thymectomy in nonthymomatous versus thymomatous patients with acetylcholine-receptor-antibody-associated myasthenia gravis. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:417-424. [PMID: 37037051 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical and long-term neurological outcomes of patients with acetylcholine-receptor-antibody-associated myasthenia gravis (AChR-MG) who underwent robotic thymectomy (RATS). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical-pathological data of all patients with AChR-MG who underwent RATS using the DaVinci® Robotic System at the MUMC+ between April 2004 and December 2018. Follow-up data were collected from 60 referring Dutch hospitals. In total, 230 myasthenic patients including 76 patients with a thymoma (33.0%) were enrolled in this study. Mean follow-up time, procedure time and hospitalization were, respectively 65.7 ± 43.1 months, 111±52.5 min and 3.3 ± 2.2 days. Thymomatous patients had significantly more frequently and more severe complications than nonthymomatous patients (18.4% vs. 3.9%, p<0.001). Follow up data was available in 71.7% of the included patients. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America postintervention score showed any kind of improvement of MG-symptoms after RATS in 82.4% of the patients. Complete stable remission (CSR) or pharmacological remission (PR) of MG was observed in 8.4% and 39.4% of the patients, respectively. Mean time till CSR/PR remission after thymectomy was 26.2 ± 29.2 months. No statistical difference was found in remission or improvement in MGFA scale between thymomatous and nonthymomatous patients. RATS is safe and feasible in patients with MG. The majority of the patients (82.4%) improved after thymectomy. CSR and PR were observed in 8.4% and 39.4% of the patients, respectively, with a mean of 26.2 months after thymectomy. Thymomatous patients had more frequently and more severe complications compared to nonthymomatous patients.
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23
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Tripathi GM, Misra UK, Kalita J, Singh VK, Tripathi A. Effect of Exercise on β-Endorphin and Its Receptors in Myasthenia Gravis Patients. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3010-3019. [PMID: 36781738 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03247-5] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
This is a prospective observational study evaluating the change in β-endorphin (BE) and its receptors following exercise in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and their association with clinical improvement. Fifteen patients with mild to moderate MG, aged 16-70 years, who were able to do 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) and had MG Quality of Life-15 (MGQoL-15) ≤ 45 without any contraindication for exercise were included. The patients walked 30 min daily for 3 months. The primary outcome at 3 months was > 50% improvement in MGQoL-15 from the baseline, and the secondary outcomes were MG Activities of Daily Living (MGADL), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), number of steps, and distance covered on 6-MWT and adverse events. Plasma BE level, μ-opioid receptor (MOR), and δ-opioid receptor (DOR) were measured on admission and at 1 and 3 months. Twelve age- and gender-matched healthy controls who were not on regular exercise were included for comparison of BE, MOR, and DOR levels. Plasma BE level (P = 0.007) and DOR expression (P = 0.001) were lower in MG patients compared to the healthy controls. After 3 months of exercise, 6 patients improved. Plasma BE, MOR, and DOR levels increased in the first and decreased in the third month. MGQoL-15 (P < 0.001), HADS (P < 0.0001), number of steps (P < 0.007), distance (P = 0.030), and MGADL (P < 0.001) significantly improved compared to baseline. At 3 months, MGQoL-15 was associated with HADS score (P = 0.001), reduced depression (P = 0.013), MGADL (P = 0.035), and distance travelled on the 6-WMW test (P = 0.050). The improvement in depression was associated with higher BE level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyanesh M Tripathi
- Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Usha K Misra
- Ex-HOD, Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India. .,Director of Neuroscience Department, Apollo Medics Superspeciality Hospital, Lucknow, 226012, Uttar Pradesh, India. .,Vivekananda Polyclinic and Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Jayantee Kalita
- Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Varun K Singh
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhilasha Tripathi
- Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Beland B, Hahn C, Jamani K, Chhibber S, White C, Atkins H, Storek J. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant for the treatment of refractory myasthenia gravis with anti-muscle specific kinase antibodies. Muscle Nerve 2023; 67:154-157. [PMID: 36527328 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27772] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Up to 25% of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) have refractory disease despite trials of multiple immunosuppressants. Several case series describe acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR) MG patients treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). In this report, we describe three patients with anti-muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) MG treated with HSCT. METHODS We included all patients who had undergone HSCT with anti-MuSK myasthenia gravis identified through the records of the Alberta Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. We collected demographic and clinical data including validated MG scales as well as questionnaire data. RESULTS All 3 patients had severe disease (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America score IVb-V) and were refractory to multiple treatments, including rituximab. All patients improved with no clinical manifestations or mild symptoms and remained as such for 2, 3.5, and 5.5 y. Adverse events ranged from treatable infections and transient dyspnea to persistent fatigue and premature menopause. The average worst Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scores improved from 14.7 before to 0.3 after HSCT. The mean worst Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MG-QoL15) scores improved from 26.7 to 0. All patients reported they would undergo transplant again for their MG. DISCUSSION We describe three patients with anti-MuSK MG treated with HSCT, all of whom became symptom free from MG with a tolerable side effect profile. In patients with severe refractory anti-MuSK MG, it may be reasonable to consider HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Beland
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Christopher Hahn
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Kareem Jamani
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sameer Chhibber
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Christopher White
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Harold Atkins
- Transplant and Cell Therapy Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jan Storek
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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26
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Uzawa A, Ozawa Y, Yasuda M, Onishi Y, Akamine H, Kuwabara S. Minimal symptom expression achievement over time in generalized myasthenia gravis. Acta Neurol Belg 2023:10.1007/s13760-022-02162-1. [PMID: 36592291 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-022-02162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Minimal symptom expression (MSE), defined as myasthenia gravis (MG) activities of daily living profile (MGADL) score 0 or 1, has been recently used as an indicator of treatment goal in MG. However, no study has determined when MSE is achieved. The current study aimed to investigate the timing and incidence of MSE achievement in generalized MG patients. METHODS Eighty-five patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalized MG were included. They were followed-up maximum 3 years after starting immunotherapy, and we reviewed the MGADL score, prednisolone dose, and achievement of MSE and minimal manifestations (MM) or better status. RESULTS MSE was achieved in 37.6, 45.2, 55.8, 60.3, and 57.1% of the patients at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment, respectively. Most patients who achieved MSE showed MM or better status at any phase. In addition, more than 2 years after the starting treatment, about 80% of patients who achieved MSE showed MM or better status with an oral prednisolone dose of 5 mg/day or less (MM-5 mg). Noteworthy, during the early stage of treatment, the proportion of patients who achieved MSE was higher than that who achieved MM-5 mg. CONCLUSION From the early phases of immunotherapy, MSE is a good marker of therapeutic goal in patients with generalized MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyuki Uzawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Yukiko Ozawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Manato Yasuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yosuke Onishi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Akamine
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
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Subxiphoid and subcostal arch versus unilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery approaches to thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Surg Today 2023; 53:12-21. [PMID: 35776206 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-022-02533-4] [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: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Thymectomy is an important treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG). We conducted this study to compare the clinical outcomes of the recently introduced subxiphoid and subcostal arch thymectomy (SASAT) approach with those of the standard unilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). METHODS We analyzed, retrospectively, the perioperative, and long-term outcomes of 179 consecutive MG patients (age 18-65 years), who underwent SASAT or unilateral VATS-extended thymectomy between July, 2012 and May, 2019. RESULTS All demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The median surgical time, estimated blood loss, thoracotomy conversion rate, total and chest drainage, and complications did not differ significantly between the groups. The visual analog scale (VAS) score was significantly lower in the SASAT group. Complete stable remission (CSR) was achieved in a significantly larger proportion of the SASAT group patients and was significantly higher in women than in men. The Quantitative MG score was significantly lower in the SASAT group. Patients in the MG Foundation of America Clinical Classification groups I and II achieved better remission rates than those in groups III-V. CONCLUSIONS SASAT is a safe and feasible MG treatment, which may yield better outcomes than unilateral VATS and improve the quality of treatment.
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28
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Kwon YN, Woodhall M, Sung JJ, Kim KK, Lim YM, Kim H, Kim JE, Baek SH, Kim BJ, Park JS, Seok HY, Kim DS, Kwon O, Park KH, Sohn E, Bae JS, Yoon BN, Kim NH, Ahn SW, Choi K, Oh J, Park HJ, Shin KJ, Lee S, Park J, Kim SH, Seok JI, Bae DW, An JY, Joo IS, Choi SJ, Nam TS, Kim S, Park KJ, Kwon KH, Waters P, Hong YH. Clinical pitfalls and serological diagnostics of MuSK myasthenia gravis. J Neurol 2023; 270:1478-1486. [PMID: 36396811 PMCID: PMC9971039 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11458-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody (Ab) in a large cohort of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) Ab-negative generalized myasthenia gravis (MG), and also to investigate clinical contexts for the diagnosis of MuSK MG. METHODS A retrospective study of 160 patients with a clinical suspicion of AChR Ab-negative generalized MG was performed. The serum samples were tested for anti-clustered AChR Ab by cell-based assay (CBA), anti-MuSK Ab by ELISA, CBA and/or radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA). Clinical data were compared between anti-MuSK Ab-positive MG and double seronegative (AChR and MuSK) MG groups. RESULTS After excluding non-MG and clustered AChR Ab-positive patients, we identified 89 patients as a cohort of AChR Ab-negative generalized MG. Anti-MuSK Ab was positive by ELISA in 22 (24.7%) patients. While CBA identified five additional anti-MuSK Ab-positive patients, the results of ELISA were mostly consistent with CBA and RIPA with Cohen's kappa of 0.80 and 0.90, respectively (p < 0.001). The most frequent differential diagnosis was motor neuron disease particularly of bulbar onset which showed remarkably overlapping clinical and electrophysiological features with MuSK MG at presentation. CONCLUSION While confirming the highest sensitivity of CBA for detecting anti-MuSK Ab, our results highlight the clinical pitfalls in making a diagnosis of MuSK MG and may support a diagnostic utility of MuSK-ELISA in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Nam Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark Woodhall
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neuroimmunology Group, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Level 5, West Wing, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Council, 20 Boramae-Ro 5-Gil, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 07061, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Kuk Kim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Lim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Eun Kim
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seol-Hee Baek
- Department of Neurology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Jo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Sung Park
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hung Youl Seok
- Department of Neurology, Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Seong Kim
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ohyun Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee Hong Park
- Department of Neurology, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhee Sohn
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seok Bae
- Department of Neurology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Nam Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hee Kim
- Department of Neurology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Won Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyomin Choi
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeyoung Oh
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Jun Park
- Department of Neurology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Jin Shin
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanggon Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinseok Park
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Im Seok
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Woong Bae
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, St. Vincent Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Young An
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, St. Vincent Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - In Soo Joo
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Jin Choi
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tai-Seung Nam
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Jong Park
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Gyeonsang Institute of Health Science, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Han Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Patrick Waters
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neuroimmunology Group, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Level 5, West Wing, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Yoon-Ho Hong
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Council, 20 Boramae-Ro 5-Gil, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 07061, Republic of Korea.
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Lee Y, Samarasinghe Y, Patel J, Khondker A, McKechnie T, Samarasinghe N, Finley C, Hanna W, Shargall Y, Agzarian J. The short and long-term effects of open vs minimally invasive thymectomy in myasthenia gravis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Endosc 2022; 37:3321-3339. [PMID: 36539629 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thymectomy has been utilized as a treatment for Myasthenia Gravis (MG) for many decades, with both open and minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques currently used. Although MIS has shown improved short-term results, long-term effects remain uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to compare the post-operative and long-term outcomes of MIS versus open thymectomy in MG patients. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception till January 2022 for keywords related to MG and open or MIS thymectomy. Primary outcome was complete stable remission (CSR), and secondary outcomes were clinical improvement, complications, length of stay, operation time, and blood loss. Grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation was used to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULTS 26 studies with 3588 patients were included in the analysis. At 1, 3 and 5 years, there was no statistical difference noted in CSR between open versus MIS thymectomy. However, CSR was improved at 1 year for MIS thymectomy in non-thymomatous MG (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in rates of partial clinical improvement between techniques at 1-year. Although analyses on length of hospital stay and blood loss showed improvement following MIS thymectomy, operative time was shorter for open thymectomy. CONCLUSION This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis assessing long-term effects of MIS versus open thymectomy in MG patients. Given the lack of significant differences noted, either MIS or open thymectomy can be performed, based on surgeon preference. Further high-level, long-term research should be conducted to determine the benefit of each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung Lee
- Department of General Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Janhavi Patel
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Adree Khondker
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tyler McKechnie
- Department of General Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nadeesha Samarasinghe
- Department of General Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christian Finley
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Wael Hanna
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yaron Shargall
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John Agzarian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East T-2105, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada.
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Tian W, He J, Yu H, Sun Y, Wu Q, Jiao P, Ma C, Huang C, Li D, Tong H. Clinical characteristics of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients developing other autoimmune diseases after thymectomy from one single center cohort. Thorac Cancer 2022; 14:135-142. [PMID: 36419347 PMCID: PMC9834700 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients are reported to have a high risk of other autoimmune diseases (ADs), and thymectomy may increase the risk further. A cohort of MG patients in which thymectomy was performed were investigated to analyze the prevalence, types and features of the new onset ADs. METHODS Consecutive patients with MG who underwent thymectomy at Beijing Hospital between January 2012 and August 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients with a postoperative follow-up period shorter than a year or incomplete clinical records were excluded. Clinical and follow-up data were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS A total of 445 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up period was 72 months (range, 12-135 months). A total of 63 (14.2%) MG patients had concurrent ADs. The incidence rate was higher than the background prevalence of population (5%), and also higher than that of a former Chinese MG cohort (11.6%). A total of 47 patients (10.6%) were diagnosed with ADs before thymectomy, and 19 (4.3%) developed a new AD after thymectomy. The most common types of new onset ADs after thymectomy were Hashimoto's thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which were different from those before thymectomy (hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis). The incidence rate of new onset RA (1.35%) was higher than the frequency of RA before thymectomy (0.45%), and also higher than the incidence rate in a Chinese MG cohort (0.5%). There was a higher proportion of female patients (p = 0.026) with postoperative ADs. A younger age at operation may increase the risk of nonthymoma MG patients (p = 0.040) developing ADs. The postoperative treatment effect of MG was similar between patients with and without new onset ADs (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We observed a higher incidence rate of autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, in MG patients after thymectomy. The most common types of ADs after thymectomy were different from those before thymectomy. New onset ADs tended to occur in female and young nonthymoma MG patients. The postoperative effect of MG was not related with the new occurrence of ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Hanbo Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Yaoguang Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Qingjun Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Peng Jiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Donghang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Hongfeng Tong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
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31
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Lin J, Lin N, Li X, Lai F. Transareolar uniportal thoracoscopic extended thymectomy for patients with myasthenia gravis. Front Surg 2022; 9:914677. [PMID: 36303858 PMCID: PMC9592845 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.914677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transareolar uniportal thoracoscopic extended thymectomy (TUTET) has not been previously reported. We attempted to assess the feasibility and safety of TUTET for male myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. Patients and methods From February 2013 to February 2020, 46 men with MG underwent TUTET. All patients were followed up for 12–84 months postoperatively by clinic visits or telephone/e-mail interviews. Results All surgeries were completed successfully, with an average operation time of 72.6 min. The mean length of transareolar uniportal incision was 3.0 ± 0.4 cm, and the mean postoperative cosmetic score was 3.1 ± 0.5 at discharge. Three months postoperatively, no patients had an apparent surgical scar on the chest wall or complained of postoperative pain. Substantial amelioration of the disease was achieved in a short period, and several benefits were clear. At the 1-year follow-up, all patients showed a good cosmetic effect and high satisfaction. Conclusions TUTET is an effective and safe way for men with MG. The uniportal incision is hidden in the areola with sound cosmetic effects. We believe that TUTET is an acceptable procedure for extended thymectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Palmar Hyperhidrosis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Correspondence: Jianbo Lin Fancai Lai
| | - Nanlong Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Palmar Hyperhidrosis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Palmar Hyperhidrosis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fancai Lai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Palmar Hyperhidrosis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Correspondence: Jianbo Lin Fancai Lai
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Bi Z, Cao Y, Liu C, Gui M, Lin J, Zhang Q, Li Y, Ji S, Bu B. Remission and relapses of myasthenia gravis on long-term tacrolimus: a retrospective cross-sectional study of a Chinese cohort. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2022; 13:20406223221122538. [PMID: 36093262 PMCID: PMC9459458 DOI: 10.1177/20406223221122538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify the factors that predict the remission and relapses in myasthenia
gravis (MG) patients improved by prednisone and tacrolimus treatment. Methods: A retrospective, observational cohort analysis of MG patients who achieved
remission after receiving prednisone and tacrolimus were performed at Tongji
Hospital. The main outcome measures were the time to remission, prednisone
discontinuation, tacrolimus reduction–associated relapse, and treatment
outcome. Results: After adding tacrolimus, 256 patients were able to achieve remission with a
mean time to remission of 2.1 ± 1.4 months. After a median follow-up of
2.9 years, 167 patients (65.2%) discontinued prednisone, and 20 patients
(7.8%) achieved complete stable remission. Moreover, 53 of the 109 patients
who were tapering tacrolimus experienced relapses. In multivariable
analysis, female sex, low tacrolimus concentrations, and quantitative
myasthenia gravis (QMG) scores have a positive correlation with the time to
remission; concomitant additional autoimmune disease (AID) and high
anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-ab) levels were significantly
associated with low probabilities of prednisone discontinuation [odds ratio
(OR) = 0.312–0.912, respectively]; rapid tacrolimus decrement speed
(⩾0.76 mg/year) was an independent predictor for the development of relapse
during tapering tacrolimus (OR = 5.662). Conclusion: Sex, tacrolimus concentrations, and QMG scores can be used as potential
predictors of the time to remission in MG patients treated with tacrolimus
and prednisone. Prednisone should be tapered slowly, especially in patients
with additional AID or high serum titers of AChR-ab. To avoid symptoms
recurrence, the dose of tacrolimus should reduce slowly, not exceeding
0.76 mg/year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuajin Bi
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yayun Cao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengcui Gui
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Suqiong Ji
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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Zhu H, Liu Z, Yao X, Zou J, Zeng B, Zhang X, Chen Z, Su C. Neurological outcomes of extended thymectomy for thymomatous myasthenia gravis: Subxiphoid vs. trans-sternal approaches. Front Surg 2022; 9:973954. [PMID: 36147693 PMCID: PMC9485494 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.973954] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The subxiphoid approach has been widely used recently. However, there is little data focusing on neurological outcomes in patients with thymomatous myasthenia gravis (MG) who underwent subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy. The purpose of this study was to compare the neurological outcomes of patients with thymomatous MG who underwent extended thymectomy with a subxiphoid or transthoracic approach 1 year postoperatively. Methods The records of patients with Masaoka stage I and II thymomas who underwent extended thymectomy from January 2019 to December 2020 with tumor size less than 5 cm and thymomatous MG were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated. Neurological outcomes were measured by a quantitative myasthenia gravis score (QMGS), with a 2.3-point reduction in QMGS associated with improvement in clinical MG status. The clinical efficacy and variables affecting the outcomes were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Results A total of 89 patients were included in the analysis, of which 44 had a subxiphoid approach and 45 had a trans-sternal approach. Mean QMGS decreased from 12 at initial diagnosis to 8.7 preoperatively and 5.6 at 12 months postoperatively in the subxiphoid group and from 12.1 to 8.9 to 6.0 in the transthoracic group. Thirteen patients (28.9%) who underwent the trans-sternal approach and 10 (22.7%) who underwent the subxiphoid approach did not have an improved clinical status compared with their preoperative status. The median time to clinical improvement was 3 months (95% CI, 2.15–3.85) for the subxiphoid approach and 6 months (95% CI, 5.54–6.46) for the trans-sternal approach. Univariate results showed that the subxiphoid approach was associated with a faster improvement in clinical status (HR = 1.701, 95% CI, 1.044–2.773, P < 0.05), and age ≦48 was associated with a faster improvement in clinical status (HR = 1.709, 95% CI, 1.044–2.799, P < 0.05). The multivariate model including age ≦48 (HR = 1.837, 95% CI, 1.093–3.086, P = 0.022) and the subxiphoid approach (HR = 1.892, 95% CI, 1.127–3.177, P = 0.016) was significantly associated with a faster improvement in clinical status. Conclusions In patients with Masaoka stage I and II thymoma who underwent thymectomy, with tumor size less than 5 cm and thymomatous MG, age ≦48 years and the subxiphoid approach were associated with a rapid improvement in clinical status.
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Sanderson NSR. Complement and myasthenia gravis. Mol Immunol 2022; 151:11-18. [PMID: 36063582 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease associated with antibodies against components of the neuromuscular junction, most often against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Although several mechanisms have been postulated to explain how these autoantibodies can lead to the pathology of the disease, convincing evidence suggests that destruction of the receptor-bearing postsynaptic membrane by complement membrane attack complex is of central importance. In this review, evidence for the importance of complement, and possible relationships between autoantigen, autoantibodies, complement activation, and the destruction of the membrane are discussed. More recent insights from the results of the complement-inhibiting therapeutic antibody eculizumab are also described, and the mechanisms connecting antibody binding to complement activation are considered from a structural viewpoint.
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Anesthetic Management during Robotic-Assisted Minimal Invasive Thymectomy Using the Da Vinci System: A Single Center Experience. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154274. [PMID: 35893373 PMCID: PMC9332370 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Robotic-assisted surgery is gaining more adaption in different surgical specialties. The number of patients undergoing robotic-assisted thymectomy is continuously increasing. Such procedures are accompanied by new challenges for anesthesiologists. We are presenting our primary anesthesiologic experience in such patients. Methods: This is a retrospective single center study, evaluating 28 patients who presented with thymoma or myasthenia gravis (MG) and undergone minimal invasive robotic-assisted thoracic thymectomy between 01/2020−01/2022. We present our fast-track anesthesia management as a component of the enhanced recovery program and its primary results. Results: Mean patient’s age was 46.8 ± 18.1 years, and the mean height was 173.1 ± 9.3 cm. Two-thirds of patients were female (n = 18, 64.3%). The preoperative mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was 3.8 ± 0.7 L, forced vital capacity (FVC) was 4.7 ± 1.1 L, and the FEV1/FVC ratio was 80.4 ± 5.3%. After the creation of capnomediastinum, central venous pressure and airway pressure have been significantly increased from the baseline values (16.5 ± 4.9 mmHg versus 13.4 ± 5.1 mmHg, p < 0.001 and 23.4 ± 4.4 cmH2O versus 19.3 ± 3.9 cmH2O, p < 0.001, respectively). Most patients (n = 21, 75%) developed transient arrhythmias episodes with hypotension. All patients were extubated at the end of surgery and discharged awake to the recovery room. The first 16 (57.1%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and the last 12 patients were only observed in intermediate care. Postoperatively, one patient developed atelectasis and was treated with non-invasive ventilation therapy. Pneumonia or reintubation was not observed. Finally, no significant difference was observed between MG and thymoma patients regarding analgesics consumption or incidence of complications. Conclusions: Robotic-assisted surgery is a rapidly growing technology with increased adoption in different specialties. Fast-track anesthesia is an important factor in an enhanced recovery program and the anesthetist should be familiar with challenges in this kind of operation to achieve optimal results. So far, our anesthetic management of patients undergoing robotic-assisted thymectomy reports safe and feasible procedures.
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Li W, He L, Jin X, Li L, Sun C, Wang C. Isolated dysarthria as the sole manifestation of myasthenia gravis: a case report. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221109395. [PMID: 35915860 PMCID: PMC9350514 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221109395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disease. Its clinical
manifestations comprise ptosis, diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, limb weakness,
and in severe cases, respiratory muscle involvement. Dysarthria as an exclusive
initial and primary complaint in MG is rare and seldom reported. In this paper,
we report a case of type IIIb MG with isolated dysarthria as the only clinical
manifestation and we review the relevant literature. The patient was a
62-year-old man who presented with episodes of slurred speech for 20 days that
had worsened in the previous 9 days. His medical history comprised hypertension,
diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease. The initial diagnosis on
admission was transient ischemic attack. Careful re-examination of the patient’s
history revealed that his symptoms mainly involved increasingly worse slurred
speech episodes without drinking or swallowing difficulties, and no significant
improvement with rest was observed. Electromyography and autoantibody profiling
led to a diagnosis of type IIIb MG. His symptoms improved after the oral
administration of pyridostigmine bromide 60 mg. Laryngeal MG is important to
differentiate from stroke. It is necessary to perform a computerized voice
analysis when encountering patients with atypical symptoms of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Geriatrics, ZiBo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Ling He
- Department of Neurology, Jilin Central General Hospital, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Department of Geriatrics, ZiBo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Geriatrics, ZiBo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Congcong Sun
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cuilan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Alcantara M, Barnett C, Katzberg H, Bril V. An update on the use of immunoglobulins as treatment for myasthenia gravis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:703-715. [PMID: 35639497 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2084074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody mediated disease where pathogenic antibodies interact with the acetylcholine receptor or other proteins at the post-synaptic neuromuscular junction. There is growing evidence that immunoglobulin infusions are beneficial for clinical exacerbations and chronic refractory disease and may be an option for patients unresponsive to conventional immunosuppressive therapies. AREAS COVERED We performed an extensive literature review, looking for evidence on the use of immunoglobulins for the treatment of MG, by conducting a search in MEDLINE (1946 to present), EMBASE (1947 to present) and Clinicaltrials.gov. We have included studies on the use of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and subcutaneous immunoglobulins (SCIG) for acute deterioration and chronic disease. EXPERT OPINION The use of IVIG in MG provides an option for rapid improvement in critical deterioration, being preferred over more invasive and less available therapies such as plasmapheresis. For refractory MG, the addition of IVIG can improve a patient's status and reduce the dosage of immunosuppressive medications. The alternative of SCIG is also effective and has advantages of infusion time flexibility, fewer side-effects, and patient independence. The safety and efficacy of both interventions, patient preferences and quality of life may direct therapeutic choices in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Alcantara
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carolina Barnett
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
| | - Hans Katzberg
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vera Bril
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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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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Zhou Y, Chen J, Li Z, Tan S, Yan C, Luo S, Zhou L, Song J, Huan X, Wang Y, Zhao C, Zeng W, Xi J. Clinical Features of Myasthenia Gravis With Antibodies to MuSK Based on Age at Onset: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in China. Front Neurol 2022; 13:879261. [PMID: 35463138 PMCID: PMC9033288 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.879261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antibodies to MuSK identify a rare subtype of myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG). In western countries, the onset age of MuSK-MG peaks in the late 30's while it is unknown in Chinese population. Methods In this retrospective multicenter study, we screened 69 MuSK-MG patients from 2042 MG patients in five tertiary referral centers in China from October 2016 to October 2021 and summarized the clinical features and treatment outcomes. Then we subgrouped the patients into early-onset (<50 years old), late-onset (50–64 years old), and very-late-onset (≥65 years old) MG and compared the differences in weakness distribution, disease progression and treatment outcomes among three subgroups. Results The patients with MuSK-MG were female-dominant (55/69) and their mean age at onset was 44.70 ± 15.84 years old, with a broad range of 17–81 years old. At disease onset, 29/69 patients were classified as MGFA Type IIb and the frequency of bulbar and extraocular involvement was 53.6 and 69.6%, respectively. There was no difference in weakness distribution. Compared with early-onset MuSK-MG, very-late-onset patients had a higher proportion of limb muscle involvement (12/15 vs.16/40, p = 0.022) 3 months after onset. Six months after onset, more patients with bulbar (14/15 vs. 26/39, p = 0.044) and respiratory involvement (6/15 vs. 0/13, p = 0.013) were seen in very-late-onset than in late-onset subgroup. The very-late-onset subgroup had the highest frequency of limb weakness (86.7%, p < 0.001). One year after onset, very-late-onset patients demonstrated a higher frequency of respiratory involvement than early-onset patients (4/12 vs. 2/35, p = 0.036). 39/64 patients reached MSE. Among 46 patients who received rituximab, very-late-onset patients started earlier than late-onset patients [6 (5.5–7.5) vs. 18 (12–65) months, p = 0.039], but no difference in the time and rate to achieving MSE was identified. Conclusion MuSK-MG patients usually manifested as acute onset and predominant bulbar and respiratory involvement with female dominance. Very-late-onset patients displayed an early involvement of limb, bulbar and respiratory muscles in the disease course, which might prompt their earlier use of rituximab. The majority MuSK-MG patients can benefit from rituximab treatment regardless of age at onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zunbo Li
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an Gaoxin Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Song Tan
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Chong Yan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Sushan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Huan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenshuang Zeng
- Department of Neurology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Wenshuang Zeng
| | - Jianying Xi
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jianying Xi
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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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Dalakas MC, Meisel A. Immunomodulatory effects and clinical benefits of intravenous immunoglobulin in myasthenia gravis. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:313-318. [PMID: 35350948 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2057223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated disease that develops in the majority of patients mainly as a result of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibodies. This process is mediated by a series of immunoregulatory events. Therapeutic targets for MG include suppression of circulating antibodies or antibody production, suppression of complement activation, and immunomodulation of cytokines or T cells. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has an effect on all of these mechanisms. AREAS COVERED This narrative review explores the broad immunomodulatory effects of IVIg in MG and provides an update on IVIg treatment for MG. EXPERT OPINION IVIg has a range of immunomodulatory effects on therapeutic targets relevant to the immunopathogenesis of MG. An emerging area of research is the pharmacogenomics of IVIg in MG related to FcRn and IgG catabolism. New data indicate that the FcRn VNTR3 genotype can affect the efficacy of IVIg in certain MG patients and may have an impact on IgG kinetics and selected dosing. Immune globulin 10% caprylate/chromatography purified (IVIg-C) has been shown to reverse the symptoms of severe acute exacerbation in patients with MG. Available data support the use of IVIg-C as an effective and safe treatment for this severely ill subgroup of patients during a relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinos C Dalakas
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology, Integrated Center for Myasthenia Gravis, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Germany
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Zhang Q, Bi Z, Yang M, Gui M, Bu B. Differences in immunophenotypes between myasthenia gravis patients with and without thyroid antibodies. Muscle Nerve 2022; 65:553-559. [PMID: 35147983 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27517] [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: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Immunophenotypes are related to the therapeutic efficacy of specific immunomodulating agents in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), but the relationship of immunophenotype to the presence or absence of thyroid antibodies is unknown. This study aims to evaluate differences in the immunophenotypes between MG patients with and without thyroid antibody (TAb) positivity to provide insight for future targeted immunotherapies. METHODS This retrospective observational study included 48 MG patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody (AchR-Ab), of which 15 (31.25%) were TAb positive. Ocular MG (OMG) was defined as ocular-only manifestations for the duration for which records were available. Peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS TAb positive patients appeared to have a higher prevalence of OMG than TAb negative patients (53.33% vs. 24.24%, P = 0.048). Percentages of B cells (mean difference (MD) = 6.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.91 to 10.40, P = 0.007) and CD8 + CD28+ cells (MD = 15.14, 95%CI: 5.17 to 25.11, P = 0.013) were higher in TAb positive patients than those in TAb negative patients, while AChR-Ab titers (MD = -6.49 nmol/L, 95%CI: -9.29 to -3.70, P < 0.001), percentages of T cells (MD = -6.43, 95%CI: -11.92 to -0.94, P = 0.023), CD3 + HLA-DR+ cells (MD = -6.47, 95%CI: -12.31 to -0.63, P = 0.031) and CD8+ T cells (MD = -6.60, 95%CI: -9.86 to -3.34, P < 0.001) were lower. DISCUSSION The immunophenotypes of MG patients with and without TAb positivity were significantly different, suggesting that their sensitivity to immunotherapy may be different. Further studies focused on differences between TAb positive and TAb negative MG patients in their responses to specific immunotherapies are needed to support our exploratory findings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuajin Bi
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengge Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengcui Gui
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Su S, Lei L, Fan Z, Zhang S, Wen Q, Wang J, Lu Y, Di L, Wang M, Chen H, Da Y. Clinical Predictors of Relapse in a Cohort of Steroid-Treated Patients With Well-Controlled Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:816243. [PMID: 35185767 PMCID: PMC8854248 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.816243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveDespite the high efficiency of glucocorticoids (GCs), ~18–34% patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) may experience relapses of the disease. Here, we aim to identify clinical factors related to relapses during steroid tapering or after withdrawal in MG patients who were well-managed on steroid monotherapy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study on 125 MG patients from the Xuanwu Hospital MG Trial Database. Patients were treated with corticosteroids and achieved minimal manifestation status (MMS) or better. Patients were divided into steroid reduction subset (N = 74) and steroid withdrawal subset (N = 51). Clinical characteristics and therapeutic data were compared between patients with disease relapse and those who maintained clinical remission at the last follow-ups. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify risk factors of relapse in each subset.ResultsThirty-seven (29.6%) patients experienced relapses during the follow-up periods. Relapse during the steroid reduction was significantly associated with drug reducing duration (HR = 0.81, 95%CI 0.74–0.89, P < 0.001). Risk of relapse was augmented if the drug reducing duration was <11.5 months (HR 27.80, 95%CI 5.88–131.57, P < 0.001). Among patients who discontinued the steroids, those with onset symptoms of bulbar weakness (adjusted HR 3.59, 95%CI 1.19–10.81, P = 0.023) were more likely to experience relapse.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that patients could benefit from prolonged steroid-reducing duration to prevent disease relapse. Patients with bulbar weakness at disease onset should be proposed to take long-term steroids or other immunosuppressants.
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Sacks HS, Smirnoff M, Carson D, Cooney ML, Shapiro MZ, Hahn CJ, Dasaro CR, Crowson C, Tassiulas I, Hirten RP, Cohen BL, Haber RS, Davies TF, Simpson DM, Crane MA, Harrison DJ, Luft BJ, Moline JM, Udasin IG, Todd AC, Sloan NL, Teitelbaum SL. Autoimmune conditions in the World Trade Center general responder cohort: A nested case-control and standardized incidence ratio analysis. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:117-131. [PMID: 34825393 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Trade Center (WTC) general responder cohort (GRC) was exposed to environmental toxins possibly associated with increased risk of developing autoimmune conditions. OBJECTIVES Two study designs were used to assess incidence and risks of autoimmune conditions in the GRC. METHODS Three clinically trained professionals established the status of possible GRC cases of autoimmune disorders adhering to diagnostic criteria, supplemented, as needed, by specialists' review of consenting responders' medical records. Nested case-control analyses using conditional logistic regression estimated the risk associated with high WTC exposure (being in the 9/11/2001 dust cloud or ≥median days' response worked) compared with low WTC exposure (all other GRC members'). Four controls were matched to each case on age at case diagnosis (±2 years), sex, race/ethnicity, and year of program enrollment. Sex-specific and sensitivity analyses were performed. GRC age- and sex-adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were compared with the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP). Complete REP inpatient and outpatient medical records were reviewed by specialists. Conditions meeting standardized criteria on ≥2 visits were classified as REP confirmed cases. RESULTS Six hundred and twenty-eight responders were diagnosed with autoimmune conditions between 2002 and 2017. In the nested case-control analyses, high WTC exposure was not associated with autoimmune domains and conditions (rheumatologic domain odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77, 1.37; rheumatoid arthritis OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.70, 1.77). GRC members had lower SIR than REP. Women's risks were generally greater than men's. CONCLUSIONS The study found no statistically significant increased risk of autoimmune conditions with WTC exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry S. Sacks
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Margaret Smirnoff
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Deborah Carson
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Michael L. Cooney
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Moshe Z. Shapiro
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Christopher J. Hahn
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Christopher R. Dasaro
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Cynthia Crowson
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - Ioannis Tassiulas
- Rheumatology Department Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Robert P. Hirten
- Rheumatology Department Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Benjamin L. Cohen
- Rheumatology Department Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland Ohio USA
| | - Richard S. Haber
- Rheumatology Department Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Terry F. Davies
- Rheumatology Department Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - David M. Simpson
- Rheumatology Department Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Michael A. Crane
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Denise J. Harrison
- Department of Medicine, Department of Environmental Medicine, World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence, NYU Langone Medical Center New York University School of Medicine New York New York USA
| | - Benjamin J. Luft
- Department of Medicine, World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence Stony Brook University Medical Center Stony Brook New York USA
| | - Jacqueline M. Moline
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence Hempstead New York USA
| | - Iris G. Udasin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute Rutgers University Biomedical Sciences Piscataway New Jersey USA
| | - Andrew C. Todd
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Nancy L. Sloan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Susan L. Teitelbaum
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
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Verschuuren JJGM, Palace J, Murai H, Tannemaat MR, Kaminski HJ, Bril V. Advances and ongoing research in the treatment of autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorders. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:189-202. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00463-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Neurologic Toxicities of Immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1342:417-429. [PMID: 34972978 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-79308-1_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment of cancer over the past two decades. The antitumor effects of immunotherapy approaches are at the expense of growing spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to cross-reactivity between the tumor and normal host tissue. These adverse events can happen in any organ and range from mild to severe and even life-threatening conditions. While neurological irAEs associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are rare, they pose a significant challenge in management as the clinical phenotypes are heterogenous and frequently necessitate cessation of therapy and systemic immune suppression and lead to transient functional decline. On the other hand, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS) is common, frequently occurs in conjunction with cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and poses a significant clinical challenge to the development and widespread use of these effective therapies. Early recognition of these neurological syndromes, timely diagnosis, and thoughtful management are key for further clinical development of these effective therapies in cancer patients. Here, we describe clinical phenotypes of CPI-induced neurological complications and ICANS and discuss steps in clinical monitoring, diagnosis, and effective management.
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Marcuse F, Brandts L, Moens D, Damoiseaux J, Hochstenbag M, Hoeijmakers JGJ, Maessen JG, De Baets M. The association between anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody level and clinical improvement in myasthenia gravis. Eur J Neurol 2021; 29:1187-1197. [PMID: 34967067 PMCID: PMC9303954 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-AChR-antibodies in the serum are detected in most patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) and used as a diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to analyse a possible association between anti-AChR-antibody serum levels and clinical improvement of MG. METHODS The Maastricht University Medical Center is a centre of expertise for the treatment of MG. Between 1997 till 2020, more than 4.000 anti-AChR-antibodies were measured for clinical care using quantitative radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique. These results, in combination with the clinical status obtained from the patients' electronic patient files, were retrospectively analysed by a single blinded clinician. Symptoms of MG were classified by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA). RESULTS In total, 90 anti-AChR-antibody positive MG-patients with 837 blood samples were included. Median follow-up time was 72 months. The majority of the included patients were female (61.1%), on immunosuppressive drug therapy (88.9%), and did undergo a thymectomy (54.4%). Multilevel logistic regression analysis showed a significantly inverse association between change in anti-AChR-antibody level and the odds of MGFA improvement (per 10 percent decrease of anti-AChR-antibody level OR: 1.21, CI: 1.12-1.31, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS A change in anti-AChR-antibody serum level is associated with the clinical status in patients with MG. Analyses of anti-AChR-antibody are not only useful for diagnostics but also in follow-up of adult symptomatic patients with MG. The use of repetitive anti-AChR-antibody serum levels might be valuable as a long-term monitor for clinical improvement in patients with MG, however, further research is required for specific recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florit Marcuse
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lloyd Brandts
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment (KEMTA), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daan Moens
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Damoiseaux
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Monique Hochstenbag
- Department of Pulmonology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Janneke G J Hoeijmakers
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marc De Baets
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Feng X, Song Z, Wu M, Liu Y, Luo S, Zhao C, Zhang W. Efficacy and Safety of Immunotherapies in Refractory Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:725700. [PMID: 34925206 PMCID: PMC8672452 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.725700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Approximately 10–20% of patients WITH myasthenia gravis (MG) are refractory to conventional immunotherapies. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the optimal therapies for refractory MG. Method: Correlative studies were performed through a search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. The primary outcome was defined by changes in the quantitative myasthenia gravis score (QMG). Secondary outcomes were defined by the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living Scale (MG-ADL), Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) post intervention status, adverse events, and disease exacerbation after treatment. Result: A total of 16 studies were included with 403 patients with refractory MG on therapies with rituximab, eculizumab, tacrolimus, and cladribine. Therapeutic efficacy of rituximab and eculizumab was identified with an estimated reduction in QMG score (4.158 vs. 6.928) and MG-ADL (4.400 vs. 4.344), respectively. No significant changes were revealed in efficacy or exacerbation density between the two independent therapeutic cohorts. The estimated adverse event density of eculizumab was more significant than that in the rituximab group (1.195 vs. 0.134 per patient-year), while the estimated serious event density was similar. Conclusion: The efficacy and safety of rituximab and eculizumab have been approved in patients with refractory MG. Rituximab had a superior safety profile than eculizumab with a lower incidence of adverse events. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021236818, identifier CRD42021236818.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Feng
- Department of Neurology, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zubiao Song
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengli Wu
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Liu
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sushan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weixi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Gao J, Jin C, Ao YQ, Tang J, Ding JY, Dong JH, Jiang JH. Minimally invasive thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: a 7-year retrospective study. Gland Surg 2021; 10:3342-3350. [PMID: 35070894 PMCID: PMC8749093 DOI: 10.21037/gs-21-756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymectomy has been identified as an effective strategy for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and thymic masses. However, the best surgical approach remains a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to compare the surgical and neurological outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy with a modified subxiphoid and bilateral approach in patients with MG and thymic masses. METHODS From August 2013 to April 2018, 68 patients who were diagnosed with MG and thymic masses and underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy with a modified subxiphoid (44 patients) or bilateral (24 patients) approach were included in this retrospective study. The surgical and neurological results were analyzed with propensity score matching. RESULTS After propensity score matching, the modified subxiphoid approach in video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy resulted in an obviously shorter operative time (P=0.00), drainage duration (P=0.00), less intraoperative blood loss (P=0.00), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P=0.01). In terms of neurological outcomes, no significant difference was observed in the improvement in MG, with 2-year complete stable remission rates of 21.1% and 26.3% (P=0.68) and 2-year pharmacological remission rates of 31.6% and 26.3% (P=0.60) for the bilateral and subxiphoid approaches, respectively. Additionally, the approaches resulted in similar effects on the magnitudes of decrease in the prednisolone and pyridostigmine doses after 2 years, with average pyridostigmine dose reductions of 72.2% and 71.1% (P=0.78) and average prednisolone reductions of 76.8% and 71.7% (P=0.96) for the bilateral and subxiphoid approaches, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The modified subxiphoid approach was found to be superior to the bilateral approach in video-assisted thoracic surgery thymectomy in terms of the surgical outcomes and yielded similar neurological outcomes. Therefore, the modified subxiphoid approach is recommended as an alternative to the bilateral approach in the treatment of patients with MG and thymic masses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun Jin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Changhai hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Ao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Yong Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Hong Dong
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Hao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Marcuse F, Hochstenbag M, De Baets MHV, Bootsma G, Maat APWM, Hoeijmakers JGJ, Keijzers M, Abdul Hamid M, De Ruysscher D, Maessen JG. Robotic thymectomy for thymomas: a retrospective follow-up study in the Netherlands. Ann Thorac Surg 2021; 114:1886-1894. [PMID: 34736927 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+) is a Dutch center of expertise, appointed by the Netherlands Federation of University Medical Centres (NFU), for the treatment of thymomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term oncological-, surgical-, and neurological outcomes of all patients who underwent a robotic thymectomy for a thymoma at the MUMC+. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical-pathological data of all consecutive patients with a thymoma who underwent robotic thymectomy using the DaVinci® Robotic System at the MUMC+ between April 2004 and December 2018. Follow-up data were collected from 60 referring Dutch hospitals. RESULTS In total, 398 robotic thymectomies were performed and 130 thymomas (32.7%) were found. Median follow-up time, procedure time and hospitalization were 46 months, 116 minutes and 3 days, respectively. In 8.4% of the patients a conversion was performed and in 20.8% a complication was registered. The majority of myasthenic patients with a thymoma went into remission, mostly within 12 to 24 months after thymectomy (81.0%). No statistical difference was found in the number of complications, conversions, incomplete resections or deaths between patients with myasthenia gravis and nonmyasthenic patients. Thirty-six patients (27.7%) underwent postoperative radiotherapy. The recurrence rate was 9.1% and the five-year thymoma-related survival rate was 96.6% . CONCLUSIONS Robotic thymectomy was found to be safe and feasible in early-stage thymomas, most advanced-stage thymomas and thymomatous myasthenia gravis. A national guideline could contribute to the improvement of the oncological follow-up of thymic epithelial tumors in the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florit Marcuse
- Department of Pulmonology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands.
| | - Monique Hochstenbag
- Department of Pulmonology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marc H V De Baets
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University+, Maastricht, Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Gerben Bootsma
- Department of Pulmonology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Alexander P W M Maat
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Janneke G J Hoeijmakers
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University+, Maastricht, Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marlies Keijzers
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Myrurgia Abdul Hamid
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Dirk De Ruysscher
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro Clinic), GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
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