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Antonioni A, Raho EM, Carlucci D, Sette E, De Gennaro R, Capone JG, Govoni V, Casetta I, Pugliatti M, Granieri E. The Incidence of Myasthenia Gravis in the Province of Ferrara, Italy, in the Period of 2008-2022: An Update on a 40-Year Observation and the Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2023; 13:236. [PMID: 38202243 PMCID: PMC10780173 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010236] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common neuromuscular junction disorder. We evaluated the MG incidence rate in the province of Ferrara, Northern Italy, over two time frames (2008-2018 and 2019-2022, i.e., the COVID-19 pandemic) and considered early-onset (EOMG), late-onset (LOMG), and thymoma- and non-thymoma-associated MG. Moreover, in the second period, we assessed its possible relationship with SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination. We used a complete enumeration approach to estimate the MG incidence and its temporal trend. For the period of 2008-18, 106 new cases were identified (mean incidence rate 2.7/100,000 people). The highest rates were observed for the over-70 age group and in rural areas, with 17% of thymoma-associated MG. During the COVID-19 period, 29 new cases were identified (average incidence rate 2.1/100,000 people), showing a marked (though not statistically significant) decrease in the mean annual incidence compared to the previous period. Again, the highest rate was observed for the over-70 age group. The first period was in line with our previous observations for the period between 1985 and 2007, highlighting a rising incidence of LOMG and a marked decrease in EOMG. During the COVID-19 period, incidence rates were lower in the first years whereas, when the pandemic ended, the previous trend was confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annibale Antonioni
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.A.); (E.M.R.); (I.C.); (M.P.)
- Doctoral Program in Translational Neurosciences and Neurotechnologies, Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Maria Raho
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.A.); (E.M.R.); (I.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Domenico Carlucci
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.A.); (E.M.R.); (I.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Sette
- Unit of Neurology, Interdistrict Health Care Department of Neurosciences, S. Anna Ferrara University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Riccardo De Gennaro
- Unit of Neurology, Interdistrict Health Care Department of Neurosciences, S. Anna Ferrara University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jay Guido Capone
- Unit of Neurology, Interdistrict Health Care Department of Neurosciences, S. Anna Ferrara University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Vittorio Govoni
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.A.); (E.M.R.); (I.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Ilaria Casetta
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.A.); (E.M.R.); (I.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.A.); (E.M.R.); (I.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Enrico Granieri
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.A.); (E.M.R.); (I.C.); (M.P.)
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Vu T, Wiendl H, Katsuno M, Reddel SW, Howard JF. Ravulizumab in Myasthenia Gravis: A Review of the Current Evidence. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:2639-2655. [PMID: 38059203 PMCID: PMC10697093 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s374694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The terminal complement C5 inhibitor ravulizumab was engineered from the humanized monoclonal antibody eculizumab to have an extended half-life and duration of action. It binds to human terminal complement protein C5, inhibiting its cleavage into C5a and C5b, thus preventing the cascade of events that lead to architectural destruction of the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction membrane by the membrane attack complex, and consequent muscle weakness in patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). The 26-week randomized, placebo-controlled period (RCP) of the phase 3 CHAMPION MG study demonstrated the rapid efficacy of ravulizumab in reducing MG symptoms. Weight-based dosing of ravulizumab every 8 weeks provided sustained efficacy, in terms of patient-reported (Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living) and clinician-reported (Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis) endpoints in patients with anti-AChR antibody-positive gMG. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses showed therapeutic serum ravulizumab concentrations (>175 µg/mL) were achieved immediately after the first dose and were maintained throughout 26 weeks, irrespective of patient body weight; inhibition of serum free C5 was immediate, complete (<0.5 μg/mL), and sustained in all patients. Interim results from the open-label extension (OLE) showed that after 60 weeks, efficacy was maintained in patients continuing on ravulizumab. Rapid and sustained improvements in efficacy, similar to those seen in patients initiating ravulizumab in the RCP, were observed after initiation of ravulizumab treatment in patients who switched from placebo in the RCP to ravulizumab in the OLE. The findings from the RCP and OLE support ravulizumab's favorable safety profile. In conclusion, ravulizumab has a simple weight-based administration and long dosing interval. Its targeted mechanism of action without generalized immunosuppression is reflected in its rapid onset of symptom improvement, sustained efficacy and good safety profile in the treatment of patients with anti-AChR antibody-positive gMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Vu
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Stephen W Reddel
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Antonini G, Habetswallner F, Inghilleri M, Mantegazza R, Rodolico C, Saccà F, Sgarzi M, deRuyck F, Paci S, Phillips G, Crippa L, Veronesi C, Perrone V, Degli Esposti L. Real world study on prevalence, treatment and economic burden of myasthenia gravis in Italy. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16367. [PMID: 37274644 PMCID: PMC10238888 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, management, and economic burden of myasthenia gravis in settings of real clinical practice. The analysis used administrative databases covering around 12 million subjects across Italy and included all adult patients with hospitalization discharge diagnosis or active exemption code for myasthenia gravis or with ≥1 pyridostigmine prescription from 2011 to 2018. The estimated prevalence of myasthenia gravis during 2018 was in the range 13.5-29.3/100,000 people (depending on the criteria applied), corresponding to 8190-17,728 alive patients, when reproportioning data to the entire Italian population. Overall 4397 patients with myasthenia gravis (mean age 61.7 years, 46.6% males) were included. A large pyridostigmine use was observed (84.0%-46.8% from 1st to 3rd year of follow-up), followed by corticosteroids (54.5%-44.6% from 1st to 3rd year of follow-up) and non-steroidal immunosuppressants (16% over follow-up). Total direct healthcare costs for myasthenia gravis were 4-times higher than those of the general population (€3771 and €869, respectively), and up to 9-fold increased when considering patients with exacerbation (€7827). These findings showed the epidemiologic burden of myasthenia gravis and the complexity of the therapeutic management for the affected patients, with large use of treatments and elevated healthcare expenditures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Antonini
- Department of Neurology Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rodolico
- Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- NSRO Department, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Manlio Sgarzi
- Department of Neurology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Chiara Veronesi
- CliCon S.r.l. Società Benefit Health, Economics & Outcomes Research, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Perrone
- CliCon S.r.l. Società Benefit Health, Economics & Outcomes Research, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Degli Esposti
- CliCon S.r.l. Società Benefit Health, Economics & Outcomes Research, Bologna, Italy
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Mevius A, Jöres L, Biskup J, Heidbrede T, Mahic M, Wilke T, Maywald U, Lehnerer S, Meisel A. Epidemiology and treatment of myasthenia gravis: a retrospective study using a large insurance claims dataset in Germany. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:324-333. [PMID: 36921445 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease with symptoms of fluctuating muscular weakness and fatigability. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to estimate the prevalence and incidence of MG in Germany, and to understand the burden of disease and treatment patterns, based on anonymized German claims data. Two patient samples were identified: (1) incident MG patients with newly onset disease between 2015 and 2019, and (2) prevalent MG patients in 2019. In total, 775 incident MG patients with a mean age of 66.9 years; and 1,247 prevalent MG patients with a mean age of 68.6 years were included. The prevalence for Germany was estimated to be 39.3/100,000 on 31/12/2019; the incidence in 2019 was 4.6 cases/100,000 persons. The 12-month mortality was 5.7. For 31.5% of the incident patients, no MG treatment was observed in the first year after the index date. Of all incident patients, 29.9% experienced an exacerbation, and 6.7% a myasthenic crisis during the observation. Our study indicates that a substantial proportion of MG patients remains untreated. Many MG patients still experience exacerbations / MG crises. MG seems to be associated with an excess mortality in comparison to the general non-MG population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Mevius
- Ingress-health HWM GmbH, Alter Holzhafen 19, Wismar 23966, Germany.
| | - Lars Jöres
- UCB Pharma, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 10,Monheim 40789, Germany
| | - Jutta Biskup
- UCB Pharma, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 10,Monheim 40789, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Wilke
- IPAM e.V., University of Wismar, Alter Holzhafen 19, Wismar 23966, Germany
| | - Ulf Maywald
- AOK PLUS, Sternplatz 7, Dresden 01067, Germany
| | - Sophie Lehnerer
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
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Luzanova E, Stepanova S, Nadtochiy N, Kryukova E, Karpova M. Cross-syndrome: myasthenia gravis and the demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system combination. Systematic literature review and case reports. Acta Neurol Belg 2022; 123:367-374. [PMID: 35699899 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-022-01926-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays the problem of comorbidity is still relevant. In this review, we describe clinical cases of the disease of the neuromuscular junction (myasthenia gravis (MG) generalized form) and the demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (DD CNS) (multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), etc.) combinations registered in our practice with precise pathogenetic analysis. Although the number of the described associations is growing every year, the exact development mechanisms of this cross syndrome as well as the nature of the association between the discussed autoimmune diseases remain unknown. At the beginning of both disorders there is a considerable loss of auto tolerance of the immune system and, as a result, an increased response from autoreactive T-lymphocytes to the structures of the nervous system: brain cells and neuromuscular synapses. There are three main theories for comorbidity: initial predisposition, direct case relationship with disease-modifying therapy (DMT) application, and coincidence. It is known that early diagnostics of MG and timely administration of necessary adequate treatment reduce the risk of process generalization and lead to a decline in mortality. Therefore, the offer to examine MS patients with atypical symptoms for possible MG identification seems very rational. Similarly, MG patients having uncharacteristic symptoms that can be indicative of other autoimmune nervous system diseases also demand special diagnostics. Considering the presence of similar pathogenetic links, several authors propose a possibility of a new nosological unit establishment, including described comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Luzanova
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "South-Ural State Medical University" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Svetlana Stepanova
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "South-Ural State Medical University" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Nikita Nadtochiy
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "South-Ural State Medical University" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Elena Kryukova
- Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating Diseases Center, FSBIS N P Bechtereva Institute of the Human Brain of the Russian Academy of Sciences: FGBUN Institut Mozga Celoveka Im N P Behterevoj Rossijskoj Akademii Nauk, Petersburg, Russian Federation.
| | - Maria Karpova
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "South-Ural State Medical University" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Petersburg, Russian Federation
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Lee I, Schold JD, Hehir MK, Claytor B, Silvestri N, Li Y. Validation of myasthenia gravis diagnosis in the older Medicare population. Muscle Nerve 2022; 65:676-682. [PMID: 35218052 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Administrative health data has been increasingly used to study the epidemiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) but a case ascertainment algorithm is lacking. We aimed to develop a valid algorithm for identifying MG patients in the older population with Medicare coverage. METHODS Local older patients (age ≥65) who received healthcare at the Cleveland Clinic and possessed Medicare coverage in 2014 and 2015 were selected. Potential MG patients were identified by using a combination of ICD9 or ICD10 codes for MG and MG-related text-word search. Diagnosis was categorized as "definite MG", "possible MG" or "non-MG" after review of clinical summaries by 5 neuromuscular specialists. Performances of various algorithms were tested by use of the definite MG cohort as a reference standard, and calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. RESULTS A total of 118 988 local older patients with Medicare coverage were identified. Usage of MG ICD codes and text-word search resulted in 125 patients with definite and 67 with possible MG. A total of 45 algorithms involving ICD usage, medication prescription, and specialty visit were tested. The best performing algorithm was identified as 2 office visits using MG ICD codes separated by at least 4 weeks or 1 hospital discharge and 1 office visit each using MG ICD codes separated by at least 4 weeks within the two-year period, resulting in a sensitivity and positive predictive value of 80% for identifying definite MG patients. DISCUSSION Algorithms using ICD codes can reliably identify patients with MG with a high degree of accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikjae Lee
- The Neurological Institute of New York, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jesse D Schold
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael K Hehir
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Benjamin Claytor
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Clevelnd Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicholas Silvestri
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo/SUNY, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Yuebing Li
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Clevelnd Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Park J, Eah KY, Park J. Epidemiological profile of myasthenia gravis in South Korea using the national health insurance database. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 145:633-640. [PMID: 35141872 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. Our objective was to investigate the incidence of MG using the National Health Insurance database of South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with the G70.0 code designated as MG and administered with MG medications for >3 months from 2007 to 2018 using nationwide data from South Korea. RESULTS A total of 8,376 patients with MG during the period of 2010-2018 were identified. There were 3,862 (46.1%) male and 4,517 (53.9%) female patients. The standardized incidence rate was 1.18/100,000 in 2010, and increased to 1.81/100,000 in 2018. The standardized prevalence was 7.50/100,000 in 2010, and changed to 11.15/100,000 in 2018. Pyridostigmine was used to treat 82.3 ± 1.2% of patients with MG during 2010-2018. Among MG patients, 85.7 ± 0.9% used steroids, 31.6 ± 4.8% used azathioprine, 12.9 ± 9.5% used tacrolimus, 7.2 ± 2.1% used cyclosporine, 6.2 ± 1.8% used mycophenolate mofetil, and 0.4 ± 0.1% used methotrexate. Thymectomy was performed in 1,130 MG patients, and the time from MG diagnosis to thymectomy decreased from 2010 to 2018. CONCLUSION Based on the national registry data from 2010 to 2018, the incidence and prevalence rate in South Korea has increased. Whereas the use of IVIG has remained stable, thymectomy is performed earlier than before, and the distribution of immunosuppressant therapies has changed over the years with an increase in tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. We expect that this study will serve as a basis for future South Korean MG epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin‐Sung Park
- Department of Neurology School of Medicine Kyungpook National University Daegu South Korea
| | - Kyung Yoon Eah
- Department of Neurology Dongguk University College of Medicine Gyeongju South Korea
| | - Jin‐Mo Park
- Department of Neurology Dongguk University College of Medicine Gyeongju South Korea
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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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Punga AR, Maddison P, Heckmann JM, Guptill JT, Evoli A. Epidemiology, diagnostics, and biomarkers of autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorders. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:176-188. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Pharmacological Management of Myasthenia Gravis: A Century of Expert Opinions in Cecil Textbook of Medicine. Am J Ther 2021; 28:e631-e637. [PMID: 34757964 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in drug therapy for myasthenia gravis have had a significant impact on the quality of life and work potential of a substantial majority of affected persons and has contributed to a remarkable decrease in the frequency and severity of complications, hospitalizations, and mortality. STUDY QUESTION What are the milestones of the changes in the expert approach to the pharmacological management of myasthenia in the past century? STUDY DESIGN To determine the changes in the experts' approach to the management of myasthenia gravis, as presented in a widely used textbook in the United States. DATA SOURCES The chapters presenting the management of myasthenia gravis in the 26 editions of Cecil Textbook of Medicine published from 1927 to 2020. RESULTS Adequate feeding, absolute rest in bed, and "tonics" were the only interventions recommended for the care of patients with myasthenia gravis in 1927. Ephedrine and glycine were used in the early 1930s. Treatment with the anticholinesterases physostigmine and neostigmine was recommended in 1937, 3 years after Mary Walker discovered it in the United Kingdom. Immunosuppressant pharmacological interventions with prednisone and azathioprine have been considered the standard since 1975, and intravenous immune globulin was added to usual care in 1996. The newer immunosuppressant drugs mycophenolate, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus have expanded the arsenal since 2008, and the monoclonal antibodies rituximab and eculizumab have been mentioned in the textbooks published in 2012-2020. The first randomized clinical trial of drug therapy for myasthenia gravis was published in 1987. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacological management of myasthenia gravis was revolutionized by the epiphany of an astute clinician in the 1930s. Immunosuppressant treatment was a logical step once the autoimmune nature of the condition was established. The major therapeutic advances highlight the values of empiricism and persistent attention to detail in treating relatively rare chronic disorders.
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Sobieszczuk E, Napiórkowski Ł, Szczudlik P, Kostera-Pruszczyk A. Myasthenia Gravis in Poland: National Healthcare Database Epidemiological Study. Neuroepidemiology 2021; 55:1-8. [PMID: 33611318 DOI: 10.1159/000512973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction. MG epidemiology has not been studied in Poland in a nationwide study before. METHODS Our epidemiological data were drawn from the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, NFZ) database; an MG patient was defined as a person who received at least once medical service coded in ICD-10 as MG (G70) and at least 2 reimbursed prescriptions for pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon®) or ambenonium chloride (Mytelase®) in 2 consecutive years. RESULTS On 1st of January 2019, 8,702 patients with MG were receiving symptomatic treatment (female:male ratio: 1.65:1). MG incidence was 2.36/100,000. The mean age of incident cases in 2018 was 61.37 years, 59.17 years for women and 64.12 years for men. Incidence of early-onset MG (<50 years) was 0.80/100,000 and 4.98/100,000 for late-onset MG (LOMG), with male predominance in LOMG. Prevalence was 22.65/100,000. In women, there was a constant increase in prevalence of symptomatic MG from the first decade of life up to 80-89 years. In men, an increase in prevalence appeared in the 6th decade. The highest prevalence was observed in the age group of 80-89 years: 59.65/100,000 in women and 96.25/100,000 in men. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide information on epidemiology of MG in Poland and can serve as a tool to evaluate healthcare resources needed for MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Sobieszczuk
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Szczudlik
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland,
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Bubuioc AM, Kudebayeva A, Turuspekova S, Lisnic V, Leone MA. The epidemiology of myasthenia gravis. J Med Life 2021; 14:7-16. [PMID: 33767779 PMCID: PMC7982252 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2020-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders include several dysfunctions that ultimately lead to muscle weakness. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most prevalent NMJ disorder with a highly polymorphic clinical presentation and many different faces. Being an autoimmune disease, MG correlates with the presence of detectable antibodies directed against the acetylcholine receptor, muscle-specific kinase, lipoprotein-related protein 4, agrin, titin, and ryanodine in the postsynaptic membrane at the NMJ. MG has become a prototype serving to understand both autoimmunity and the function of the NMJ better. The aim of this review is to synthesize some of the epidemiological data available. Epidemiological data regarding MG are important for postulating hypotheses regarding its etiology and facilitating the description of MG subtypes. Thus, adequate documentation through broad databases is essential. The incidence and prevalence of MG reported around the globe have been rising steadily and consistently over the past decades. Ethnic aspects, gender-related differences, and environmental risk factors have been described, implying that these might contribute to a specific phenotype, further suggesting that MG may be considered an umbrella term that covers several clinical entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Bubuioc
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova
| | - Aigerim Kudebayeva
- Department of Neurology, Kazakh Medical University of Continuing Education, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Saule Turuspekova
- Department of Nervous Diseases with course of Neurosurgery, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Vitalie Lisnic
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova
| | - Maurizio Angelo Leone
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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13
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Lotan I, Benninger F, Hellmann MA, Sicsic C, Brenner T, Kahana E, Steiner I. Incidence of AChR Ab-positive myasthenia gravis in Israel: A population-based study. Acta Neurol Scand 2020; 142:66-73. [PMID: 32145067 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of myasthenia gravis (MG) has traditionally been low, ranging between 2-6/106 . Several recent epidemiological studies have reported a higher incidence. We, therefore, aimed to assess and characterize the incidence of MG in Israel. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of all four laboratories that performed the acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR Ab) test in Israel between 1994 and 2013 and documented the number of newly diagnosed seropositive MG patients each year. To assure that data indeed reflect only newly diagnosed patients, patient's names and ID numbers were screened at the Hadassah medical center database since 1978, the year when the test was first performed in Israel. In order to calculate the annual incidence of the disease, the population at risk was derived from the annual publication of the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics. RESULTS The annual incidence of MG for this time period was 13.1/106 inhabitants. The mean incidence of MG between 1994 and 2003 was 7.695/106 /y, while the mean incidence between 2004 and 2013 was 18.49/106 (P < .0001). Mean age of diagnosis between 1994 and 2003 was 56.65 ± 0.9351, while between 2004 and 2013, it was 59.89 ± 0.5336 (P = .0012). Male to female (M:F) incidence ratio in the years 1994-2003 and 2004-2013 was 2:3.2 and 3:1.8, respectively, reflecting increased incidence among males (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of MG in Israel has increased significantly during the last decade, especially among males of older age. These findings may reflect an etiological role of an environmental factor, increased awareness, and increased longevity in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itay Lotan
- Department of Neurology Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Felix Benninger
- Department of Neurology Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Mark A. Hellmann
- Department of Neurology Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Camille Sicsic
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Department of Neurology The Agnes –Ginges Center for Neurogenetics Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center Jerusalem Israel
| | - Talma Brenner
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Department of Neurology The Agnes –Ginges Center for Neurogenetics Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center Jerusalem Israel
| | - Ester Kahana
- Department of Neurology Barzilai Medical Center Ashkelon Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences Ben‐Gurion University of the Negev Beer Sheva Israel
| | - Israel Steiner
- Department of Neurology Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
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14
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Sipilä JO, Soilu-Hänninen M, Rautava P, Kytö V. Hospital admission and prevalence trends of adult myasthenia gravis in Finland in 2004–2014: A retrospective national registry study. J Neurol Sci 2019; 407:116520. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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15
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Vogrig A, Gigli GL, Segatti S, Corazza E, Marini A, Bernardini A, Valent F, Fabris M, Curcio F, Brigo F, Iacono D, Passadore P, Rana M, Honnorat J, Valente M. Epidemiology of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes: a population-based study. J Neurol 2019; 267:26-35. [PMID: 31552550 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09544-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiology of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) remains to be defined. We present here the first population-based incidence study and report the clinical spectrum and antibody profile of PNS in a large area in Northeastern Italy. METHODS We performed a 9-year (2009-2017) population-based epidemiological study of PNS in the provinces of Udine, Pordenone and Gorizia, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region (983,190 people as of January 1, 2017). PNS diagnosis and subgroups were defined by the 2004 diagnostic criteria. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates were calculated. RESULTS We identified 89 patients with a diagnosis of definite PNS. Median age was 68 years (range 26-90), 52% were female. The incidence of PNS was 0.89/100,000 person-years. PNS incidence rates increased over time from 0.62/100,000 person-years (2009-2011), 0.81/100,000 person-years (2012-2014) to 1.22/100,000 person-years (2015-2017). The prevalence of PNS was 4.37 per 100,000. Most common PNS were limbic encephalitis (31%), cerebellar degeneration (28%) and encephalomyelitis (20%). Among antibody (Ab)-positive cases, most frequent specificities included: Yo (30%), Hu (26%), and Ma2 (22%), while the most frequent associated tumors were lung (17%) and breast cancer (16%), followed by lymphoma (12%). PNS developed in 1 in every 334 cancers in our region. Statistically significant associations were observed between cancer type and Ab-specificity (P < 0.001), and between neurological syndrome and Ab-specificity (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This first population-based study found an incidence of PNS that approximates 1/100,000 person-years and a prevalence of 4/100,000. Moreover, the incidence of PNS is increasing over time, probably due to increased awareness and improved detection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vogrig
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Piazzale Santa Maria della Misericordia, 15, 33010, Udine, Italy. .,French Reference Center of Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique, Lyon, France. .,SynatAc Team, NeuroMyoGene Institute, INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR5310, Lyon, France. .,University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.
| | - Gian Luigi Gigli
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Piazzale Santa Maria della Misericordia, 15, 33010, Udine, Italy.,Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy.,Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Physics (DMIF), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Samantha Segatti
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
| | - Elisa Corazza
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marini
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
| | - Andrea Bernardini
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
| | - Francesca Valent
- Institute of Hygiene and Clinical Epidemiology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Martina Fabris
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Francesco Curcio
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Hospital Franz Tappeiner, Merano, Italy
| | - Donatella Iacono
- Department of Oncology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Michele Rana
- Neurology Unit, Hospital of Gorizia, Gorizia, Italy
| | - Jérôme Honnorat
- French Reference Center of Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique, Lyon, France.,SynatAc Team, NeuroMyoGene Institute, INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR5310, Lyon, France.,University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Mariarosaria Valente
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Piazzale Santa Maria della Misericordia, 15, 33010, Udine, Italy.,Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
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