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Keovilayhong S, Mulliez A, Feral L, Chenaf C, Clavelou P, Moisset X, Taithe F, Poncet Megemont L. Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in France: Incidence, prevalence, and comorbidities based on national healthcare insurance claims data. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:451-458. [PMID: 38582663 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.02.392] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European literature has reported high variability in the incidence and prevalence rates of myasthenia gravis (MG), but no specific epidemiological data for France have been published. This study aimed to assess the incidence and prevalence rates of myasthenia gravis in France based on data extracted from the French National Health Insurance Claims Database (the SNIIRAM database). METHODS We conducted a retrospective repeated cross-sectional population study from 2008 to 2018 using a representative sample of the French population (Échantillon généraliste des bénéficiaires) covered by health insurance. We calculated the incidence, prevalence, and sex ratio of MG and screened for comorbidities associated with MG (standardized to the general population). RESULTS In total, 331 MG patients were identified between 2008 and 2018. The average incidence of MG in France was 50 per million person-years, while the mean prevalence was 465 per million people. The female-to-male ratio was 1.33. The Incidence of MG gradually increased from 40years of age for women and 60 for men. Thymoma was present for 5.1% of MG patients and a thymectomy was performed for 4.7%. Thyroid disease was the most prevalent autoimmune comorbidity, affecting approximately 8.5% of cases. MG patients had an increased cancer risk, with a standardized rate ratio of 2.38 (95% CI: 1.64-3.46). CONCLUSION The incidence and prevalence rates of MG are significantly higher than those previously reported in the literature and the incidence increases with age. The excess risk of cancer raises concerns for MG patients, in particular, concerning the management of immunosuppressive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Keovilayhong
- Mittaphab Hospital, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic
| | - A Mulliez
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - L Feral
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - C Chenaf
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - P Clavelou
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Neuro-Dol, Inserm, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - X Moisset
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Neuro-Dol, Inserm, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - F Taithe
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - L Poncet Megemont
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies against elements in the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction, which leads to muscle weakness. Congenital myasthenic syndromes are rare and caused by mutations affecting pre- or postsynaptic function at the neuromuscular synapse and resulting in muscle weakness. MG has a prevalence of 150-250 and an annual incidence of 8-10 individuals per million. The majority has disease onset after age 50 years. Juvenile MG with onset in early childhood is more common in East Asia. MG is subgrouped according to type of pathogenic autoantibodies, age of onset, thymus pathology, and generalization of muscle weakness. More than 80% have antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor. The remaining have antibodies against MuSK, LRP4, or postsynaptic membrane antigens not yet identified. A thymoma is present in 10% of MG patients, and more than one-third of thymoma patients develop MG as a paraneoplastic condition. Immunosuppressive drug therapy, thymectomy, and symptomatic drug therapy with acetylcholine esterase inhibitors represent cornerstones in the treatment. The prognosis is good, with the majority of patients having mild or moderate symptoms only. Most congenital myasthenic syndromes are due to dysfunction in the postsynaptic membrane. Symptom debut is in early life. Symptomatic drug treatment has sometimes a positive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Gilhus NE, Verschuuren JJGM, Hovland SIB, Simmonds H, Groot F, Palace J. Myasthenia gravis: do not forget the patient perspective. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:S0960-8966(21)00583-6. [PMID: 34635387 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.07.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | - Huw Simmonds
- Myaware, College Business Centre, Derby, England
| | - Floor Groot
- Dutch Neuromuscular disease Association, Baarn, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Palace
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Hospitals Trust, Oxford, England
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Verwijst J, Westerberg E, Punga AR. Cancer in myasthenia gravis subtypes in relation to immunosuppressive treatment and acetylcholine receptor antibodies: A Swedish nationwide register study. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:1706-1715. [PMID: 33427389 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14730] [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: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The potentially increased risk of extrathymic cancers in myasthenia gravis (MG) remains uncertain. We present the occurrence of extrathymic cancer diagnoses in different MG subgroups. METHODS We conducted a nationwide Swedish register-based cohort study, including patients who had their first MG diagnosis or first prescription of acetylcholine esterase inhibitors between the years 2006 and 2018. Timing and subtypes of cancer diagnosis in relation to MG as well as corticosteroid-sparing immunosuppressants (CSISs) were identified from national patient, cancer and drug registers. RESULTS In the study population of 2812 MG patients, 92 had juvenile MG (3%), 632 had early-onset MG (23%), 1968 had late-onset MG (LOMG; 70%) and 120 patients had thymoma-associated MG (TAMG; 4%). Extrathymic cancers were observed in 630 patients (22.4%). Skin cancer and cancer in the male genital organs were most common (N = 138, respectively), followed by cancers in the female genital organs (N = 103), digestive organs (N = 90) and breast (N = 80). Patients with TAMG (29.2%) and LOMG (28.4%) had the highest occurrence of extrathymic cancer. Cancer frequency was comparable between acetylcholine receptor antibody seropositive and seronegative patients. Two or more CSIS prescriptions significantly increased the frequency of cancer, especially cancers in the digestive organs (p = 0.0026), male genital organs (p = 0.0037) and skin (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Most extrathymic cancer types in MG were observed in TAMG and LOMG patients, and there was a clear correlation between CSIS exposure and cancer risk. This study sheds light on extrathymic cancers also in non-thymoma MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Verwijst
- Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Westerberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Rostedt Punga
- Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Pasqualin F, Guidoni SV, Ermani M, Pegoraro E, Bonifati DM. Outcome measures and treatment effectiveness in late onset myasthenia gravis. Neurol Res Pract 2020; 2:45. [PMID: 33324944 PMCID: PMC7650071 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-020-00091-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently different subtypes of myasthenia gravis (MG) have been described. They differ for clinical features and pathogenesis but the prognosis and response to treatment is less clear. The aim of the study was to evaluate outcome and treatment effectiveness including side effects in late onset MG (LOMG) compared with early onset MG (EOMG). Methods We analysed retrospectively 208 MG patients. Clinical features were recorded as well as treatment and side effects. Outcome at the last follow-up was evaluated with MGSTI and MGPIS scales. Results The 208 patients included were classified as follow: 36 ocular MG, 40 EOMG, 72 LOMG, 25 thymoma-associated, 14 anti-MuSK and 21 double seronegative. Similar positive outcome was achieved in either early and late onset subgroup. We found pharmacological remission and minimal manifestations at the MGFA-PIS in the 95% and 94,4% of EOMG and LOMG respectively but in LOMG a lower dose of immunosuppressors (MGSTI< 2) was required compared to EOMG (p = 0,048). Severe side effects were present in a small percentage of patients in both group but diabetes was more frequent in LOMG vs EOMG (2,2% vs 5%, p = 0.017). Conclusions Despite LOMG has more comorbidities that might interfere with treatment and outcome, therapeutic management does not seem to differ between EOMG and LOMG. A similar positive outcome was seen in both subgroups but LOMG group seems to require lower doses of medication to control symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia V Guidoni
- Ospedale regionale Ca' Foncello, Unit of Neurology, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Mario Ermani
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Westerberg E, Punga AR. Mortality rates and causes of death in Swedish Myasthenia Gravis patients. Neuromuscul Disord 2020; 30:815-824. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.08.355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) or other AChR-related proteins in the postsynaptic muscle membrane. Localized or general muscle weakness is the predominant symptom and is induced by the antibodies. Patients are grouped according to the presence of antibodies, symptoms, age at onset and thymus pathology. Diagnosis is straightforward in most patients with typical symptoms and a positive antibody test, although a detailed clinical and neurophysiological examination is important in antibody-negative patients. MG therapy should be ambitious and aim for clinical remission or only mild symptoms with near-normal function and quality of life. Treatment should be based on MG subgroup and includes symptomatic treatment using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, thymectomy and immunotherapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are fast-acting treatments used for disease exacerbations, and intensive care is necessary during exacerbations with respiratory failure. Comorbidity is frequent, particularly in elderly patients. Active physical training should be encouraged.
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Karlin J, Peck T, Prenshaw K, Portell CA, Kirzhner M. Orbital mantle cell lymphoma presenting as myasthenia gravis. Orbit 2017; 36:365-369. [PMID: 28820310 DOI: 10.1080/01676830.2017.1337202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A 69-year-old man, previously treated with pyridostigmine for myasthenia gravis (manifesting as ptosis and diplopia) was evaluated for several concomitant bilateral anterior orbital masses. Imaging revealed 3 discrete, solid masses within and around the orbits. An incisional biopsy demonstrated atypical lymphocytes positive for CD20 and Cyclin-D1, consistent with mantle cell lymphoma. The patient received induction chemotherapy with a rituximab-based regimen. He experienced resolution of his diplopia and ptosis after one cycle of chemotherapy and achieved complete remission of the orbital masses and myasthenia symptoms after 6 cycles. Myasthenia gravis is most commonly associated with thymoma, but may also be observed with other malignancies. Recognition that orbital lymphoma may coexist with myasthenia gravis will help in expediting the diagnosis of future cases and in guiding treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Karlin
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia , USA
| | - Travis Peck
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia , USA
| | - Karyn Prenshaw
- b Department of Pathology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia , USA
| | - Craig A Portell
- c Division of Hematology and Oncology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia , USA
| | - Maria Kirzhner
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia , USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils E Gilhus
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, and the Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital - both in Bergen, Norway
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Affiliation(s)
- A H V Schapira
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
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Gilhus NE, Nacu A, Andersen JB, Owe JF. Myasthenia gravis and risks for comorbidity. Eur J Neurol 2014; 22:17-23. [PMID: 25354676 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder leading to skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability. MG subgroups are defined according to pathogenetic autoantibody (against acetylcholine receptor, muscle-specific tyrosine kinase or lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4), thymus pathology and clinical manifestations. MG patients have an increased risk for concordant autoimmune disease, in particular with early onset MG. Most common comorbidities are thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Cardiomyositis and subclinical heart dysfunction have been described in patients with thymoma MG and late onset MG but represent no major threat. A thymic lymphoepithelioma implies an increased risk for another cancer. Autoimmune MG represents no distinct cancer risk factor, although lymphomas and a few other cancer types have been reported with slightly increased frequency. Severe MG-related muscle weakness means a risk for respiratory failure and respiratory tract infection. Drug MG treatment can lead to side-effects. Thymectomy is regarded as a safe procedure both short and long term. Non-MG-related comorbidity represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, especially in elderly patients. Diagnostic accuracy and optimal follow-up is necessary to identify and treat all types of coexisting disease in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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