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Luo S, Jiang Q, Zeng W, Wang Q, Zou Z, Yu Y, Hong D, Zeng Q, Tan S, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Guo X, Chen J, Zhao Z, Huang S, Shi J, Chen Y, Du L, Yan C, Xi J, Song J, Zhao C. Efgartigimod for generalized myasthenia gravis: A multicenter real-world cohort study in China. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38973109 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Efgartigimod, a neonatal Fc receptor antagonist, facilitates antibody degradation including pathogenic IgGs. The ADAPT study demonstrated the tolerability and efficacy of efgartigimod in the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). However, very limited evidence is available for the Chinese population, and it remains inconclusive about which kind of patients are selected to preferentially receive efgartigimod in real-world settings. METHODS This multicenter cohort study included gMG patients treated at 14 neuromuscular reference centers in China. The Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score, immunosuppressants, and the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were prospectively collected. RESULTS Of the 1640 gMG admitted between September and December 2023, 61 (3.7%) received efgartigimod for at least one treatment cycle. Among them, 56 cases (92%) were anti-AChR antibody-positive, 4 were anti-MuSK antibody-positive, and 1 was seronegative. Thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis accounted for most cases (44%, 27 out of 61). The principal causes of efgartigimod initiation included MG acute exacerbation (MGAE) (48%, 29 out of 61) and myasthenic crisis (MC) (15%, 9 out of 61). Clinically meaningful improvement was rapidly achieved in 97% (58 out of 61) of patients at 1.3 ± 0.7 weeks. By week 12, the MG-ADL score reduced to 3.8 ± 4.1 (baseline:10.5 ± 5.2) for all participants, while it reduced to 4.0 ± 4.7 for MGAE and 3.8 ± 4.2 for MC, respectively. All but one TMG patient required no additional rescue therapies after efgartigimod initiation. 11.5% (7 out of 61) reported ≥1 TEAEs. INTERPRETATION This multicenter cohort study demonstrated the efficacy of efgartigimod in rapid control of gMG. Patients with MGAE or MC would benefit from efgartigimod treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushan Luo
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Qilong Jiang
- Department of Myopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Wenshuang Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Hongkong University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Qinzhou Wang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhangyu Zou
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Daojun Hong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Quantao Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Song Tan
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Zhouao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Xiuming Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Zhongyan Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Shixiong Huang
- Department of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Jianquan Shi
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241004, China
| | - Lei Du
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chong Yan
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jie Song
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
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Nguyen M, Clough M, Cruse B, van der Walt A, Fielding J, White OB. Exploring Factors That Prolong the Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis. Neurol Clin Pract 2024; 14:e200244. [PMID: 38204589 PMCID: PMC10775161 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a condition with significant phenotypic variability, posing a diagnostic challenge to many clinicians worldwide. Prolonged diagnosis can lead to reduced remission rates and morbidity. This study aimed to identify factors leading to a longer time to diagnosis in MG that could be addressed in future to optimize diagnosis time. Methods One hundred and ten patients from 3 institutions in Melbourne, Australia, were included in this retrospective cohort study. Demographic and clinical data were collected for these patients over the first 5 years from diagnosis and at 10 years. Nonparametric statistical analysis was used to identify factors contributing to a longer diagnosis time. Results The median time for MG diagnosis was 102 (345) days. 90% of patients were diagnosed before 1 year. Female patients took longer than male patients to be diagnosed (p = 0.013). The time taken for first presentation after symptom onset contributed most to diagnosis time (median 17 [141] days), with female patients and not working as contributory factors. Neurology referral took longer if patients had diplopia (p = 0.022), respiratory (p = 0.026) symptoms, or saw an ophthalmologist first (p < 0.001). Outpatient management compared with inpatient was associated with a longer time to be seen by a neurologist from referral (p < 0.001), for the first diagnostic result to return (p = 0.001), and for the result to be reviewed (p < 0.001). Ocular MG had a median greater time to neurologist review than generalized MG (median 5 [25] days vs 1 [13] days, p = 0.035). Electrophysiology tests took longer for outpatients than inpatients (median 21 [35] days vs 2 [8] days, p < 0.001). Outpatients were also started on treatment later than inpatients (p < 0.001). There was no association of MG severity, ethnicity, age, medical and ocular comorbidities, and public or private health service on diagnosis time. There was also no impact of time to diagnosis on Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America outcomes, number of follow-ups or hospitalizations, or prevalence of treatments used. This study is limited by low patient numbers and its retrospective nature. Discussion This study identified several factors that can contribute to a prolonged diagnosis time of MG. Patient and clinician education about MG and outpatient diagnostic efficiency needs emphasis. Further studies are also needed to explore the delayed presentation time of women and nonworking patients in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience (MN, MC, AW, JF, OBW), Monash Health; Department of Neurology (BC), Royal Melbourne Hospital; and Department of Neurology (MN, AW), Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Meaghan Clough
- Department of Neuroscience (MN, MC, AW, JF, OBW), Monash Health; Department of Neurology (BC), Royal Melbourne Hospital; and Department of Neurology (MN, AW), Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Belinda Cruse
- Department of Neuroscience (MN, MC, AW, JF, OBW), Monash Health; Department of Neurology (BC), Royal Melbourne Hospital; and Department of Neurology (MN, AW), Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anneke van der Walt
- Department of Neuroscience (MN, MC, AW, JF, OBW), Monash Health; Department of Neurology (BC), Royal Melbourne Hospital; and Department of Neurology (MN, AW), Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joanne Fielding
- Department of Neuroscience (MN, MC, AW, JF, OBW), Monash Health; Department of Neurology (BC), Royal Melbourne Hospital; and Department of Neurology (MN, AW), Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Owen B White
- Department of Neuroscience (MN, MC, AW, JF, OBW), Monash Health; Department of Neurology (BC), Royal Melbourne Hospital; and Department of Neurology (MN, AW), Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Meng DD, Ruan Z, Tang YL, Ji ZH, Su Y, Xu T, Cui BZ, Ren DL, Chang T, Yang Q. Factors associated with the disease family burden of caregivers of myasthenia gravis patients in northwestern China: A cross-sectional study. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 119:70-75. [PMID: 37988975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) lose part of their working or living ability due to illness, and bring burden to caregivers. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors related to caregivers' disease family burden for MG patients in Northwest China. METHODS The study utilized our Myasthenia Gravis database and distributed online questionnaires to both MG patients and their caregivers. The questionnaires included a general data collection form, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale, and the Caregivers' Family Burden Scale of Disease (FBSD). Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were run, with FBSD as the outcome variable for separate analyses. RESULTS 178 MG patients were eligible for inclusion in the analysis, of whom 80 patients' caregivers had a positive family burden of MG. The daily activity burden of the family and the economic burden of the family were the heaviest among the six dimensions of the caregivers' family disease burdens. The factors independently associated with FBSD were depression symptom level, MG severity classification and family's monthly per capita income (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Depression symptom level, MG severity classification and family's monthly per capita income are independent factors related to the caregivers' disease family burden for MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Dong Meng
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Zhe Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Yong-Lan Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Zhao-Hua Ji
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yue Su
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Tuo Xu
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Bo-Zhou Cui
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Da-Lin Ren
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Huang EJC, Wu MH, Wang TJ, Huang TJ, Li YR, Lee CY. Myasthenia Gravis: Novel Findings and Perspectives on Traditional to Regenerative Therapeutic Interventions. Aging Dis 2023; 14:1070-1092. [PMID: 37163445 PMCID: PMC10389825 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder, is increasing among all subsets of the population leading to an elevated economic and social burden. The pathogenesis of MG is characterized by the synthesis of autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), or muscle-specific kinase at the neuromuscular junction, thereby leading to muscular weakness and fatigue. Based on clinical and laboratory examinations, the research is focused on distinguishing MG from other autoimmune, genetic diseases of neuromuscular transmission. Technological advancements in machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) have been assistive in accurate diagnosis and management. Besides, addressing the clinical needs of MG patients is critical to improving quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction. Lifestyle changes including physical exercise and traditional Chinese medicine/herbs have also been shown to exert an ameliorative impact on MG progression. To achieve enhanced therapeutic efficacy, cholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressive drugs, and steroids in addition to plasma exchange therapy are widely recommended. Under surgical intervention, thymectomy is the only feasible alternative to removing thymoma to overcome thymoma-associated MG. Although these conventional and current therapeutic approaches are effective, the associated adverse events and surgical complexity limit their wide application. Moreover, Restivo et al. also, to increase survival and QoL, further recent developments revealed that antibody, gene, and regenerative therapies (such as stem cells and exosomes) are currently being investigated as a safer and more efficacious alternative. Considering these above-mentioned points, we have comprehensively reviewed the recent advances in pathological etiologies of MG including COVID-19, and its therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Jou-Chen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Meng-Huang Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Tsung-Jen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Tsung-Jen Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yan-Rong Li
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Yu Lee
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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5
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García Estévez DA, Pardo Fernández J. Myasthenia gravis. Update on diagnosis and therapy. Med Clin (Barc) 2023:S0025-7753(23)00218-X. [PMID: 37248131 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2023.04.006] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease caused by the presence of specific antibodies targeting different postsynaptic components of the neuromuscular junction, and is clinically characterized by the presence of fatigueable muscle weakness. In the etiopathogenesis plays a central role the thymus and the most frequently detected pathogenic autoantibodies are targeted to the acetylcholine receptor. The increase in the knowledge of the immunological components of the neuromuscular junction in the last two decades has been fundamental to identify new pathogenic antibodies, reduce the percentage of patients with seronegative myasthenia, and propose a classification of patients into subgroups with clinical-therapeutic interest. In addition, in recent years, new drugs have been developed for the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis that are refractory to conventional immunosuppressive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Apolinar García Estévez
- Servicio de Neurología, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense, España; Grupo de investigación Neurociencias Clínicas, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia-Sur, SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Pontevedra, España.
| | - Julio Pardo Fernández
- Unidad de Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Servicio de Neurología, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España
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6
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Fan L, Yang Y, Zhang F, Huang F. Clinical Efficacy of Immunoglobulin Combined with Glucocorticoids in the Treatment of Oculomotor Myasthenia Gravis in Children and the Effect on Serum Immunity. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1772881. [PMID: 35844442 PMCID: PMC9286931 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1772881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of treatment with immunoglobulin on clinical outcomes and immune function in children with oculomotor myasthenia gravis. The clinical data of 100 pediatric patients with oculomotor myasthenia gravis treated in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the subjects of this retrospective study and divided into a comparison group and a treatment group according to the different treatment methods. The comparison group was treated with glucocorticoids, and the treatment group was treated with immunoglobulin on the basis of the comparison group. The differences in the serum indexes, the effects of immune function, and the clinical efficacy of the two groups were observed and compared. It was found the comparison of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) after treatment was significantly different and lower in the treatment group than in the comparison group; the comparison of CD4+, CD3+, CD4+/CD8+, and NK cells after treatment was significantly different and higher in the treatment group than in the comparison group. The effective rate of 98.00% in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of 76.00% in the comparison group, and the difference was statistically significant. The clinical efficacy of the two groups showed that the fever, cough, sputum, myasthenia gravis crisis, and gastrointestinal reactions in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the comparison group. The study indicates that comparative study of children with oculomotor myasthenia gravis treated with immunoglobulin combined with glucocorticoids is more effective, effectively improving the immune level of patients and reducing adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Fan
- Pediatrics, Hubei Suizhou Central Hospital, Suizhou, Hubei 441300, China
| | - Yahui Yang
- Pediatrics, Wuhan Hankou Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430012, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Pediatrics, Hubei Suizhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Suizhou, Hubei 441300, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Pediatrics, Hubei Suizhou Central Hospital, Suizhou, Hubei 441300, China
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Zhao S, Yan X, Ding J, Ren K, Sun S, Lu J, Zhang C, Zhang K, Li Z, Guo J. Lack of Immunotherapy as the Only Predictor of Secondary Generalization in Very-Late-Onset Myasthenia Gravis With Pure Ocular Onset. Front Neurol 2022; 13:857402. [PMID: 35547386 PMCID: PMC9081806 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.857402] [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: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades, an increasing number of patients with very-late-onset myasthenia gravis (v-LOMG) with an onset age of 65 years or older have been identified. However, few studies explore the predictors of secondary generalization in patients with v-LOMG with pure ocular onset. In this retrospective cohort study, 69 patients with v-LOMG were divided into ocular MG (OMG) and generalized MG (GMG), and the clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared. Cox regression analysis was performed to explore the predictors of generalization. The average onset age of the study population was 73.1 ± 4.2 years and the median disease duration was 48.0 months (interquartile range, 32.5-64.5 months). Serum acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody was detected in up to 86% of patients and concomitant diseases in approximately half of the patients. Male predominance was seen in OMG group while female predominance in GMG group (p = 0.043). Patients with OMG showed a lower positive rate of repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) than those with GMG (p = 0.014), and favorable outcomes were obtained in more patients with OMG than those with GMG (p < 0.001). Of the 51 patients with pure ocular onset, 25 (49.0%) underwent secondary generalization. A higher probability of generalization was found in patients with positive RNS results and without immunotherapy (p = 0.018 and <0.001). Upon Cox regression analysis, immunotherapy was negatively associated with secondary generalization [HR (hazard ratio) 0.077, 95%CI [0.024-0.247], p < 0.001]. Altogether, compared to the patients with very-late-onset GMG, the counterparts with OMG exhibit a significantly higher female predominance and a lower positive rate of RNS tests, especially on facial and accessory nerves. Lack of immunotherapy is the only predictor of secondary generalization in those with pure ocular onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xu Yan
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Neurology, Suide County Hospital, Yulin, China
| | - Jiaqi Ding
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kaixi Ren
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuyu Sun
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiarui Lu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Xi'an, Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhuyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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8
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Nelke C, Stascheit F, Eckert C, Pawlitzki M, Schroeter CB, Huntemann N, Mergenthaler P, Arat E, Öztürk M, Foell D, Schreiber S, Vielhaber S, Gassa A, Stetefeld H, Schroeter M, Berger B, Totzeck A, Hagenacker T, Meuth SG, Meisel A, Wiendl H, Ruck T. Independent risk factors for myasthenic crisis and disease exacerbation in a retrospective cohort of myasthenia gravis patients. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:89. [PMID: 35413850 PMCID: PMC9005160 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02448-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenic crisis (MC) and disease exacerbation in myasthenia gravis (MG) are associated with significant lethality and continue to impose a high disease burden on affected patients. Therefore, we sought to determine potential predictors for MC and exacerbation as well as to identify factors affecting outcome. METHODS We examined a retrospective, observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with MG between 2000 and 2021 with a mean follow-up of 62.6 months after diagnosis from eight tertiary hospitals in Germany. A multivariate Cox regression model with follow-up duration as the time variable was used to determine independent risk factors for MC and disease exacerbation. RESULTS 815 patients diagnosed with MG according to national guidelines were included. Disease severity at diagnosis (quantitative MG score or Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America class), the presence of thymoma and anti-muscle specific tyrosine kinase-antibodies were independent predictors of MC or disease exacerbation. Patients with minimal manifestation status 12 months after diagnosis had a lower risk of MC and disease exacerbation than those without. The timespan between diagnosis and the start of immunosuppressive therapy did not affect risk. Patients with a worse outcome of MC were older, had higher MGFA class before MC and at admission, and had lower vital capacity before and at admission. The number of comorbidities, requirement for intubation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and MC triggered by infection were associated with worse outcome. No differences between outcomes were observed comparing treatments with IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) vs. plasma exchange vs. IVIG together with plasma exchange. CONCLUSIONS MC and disease exacerbations inflict a substantial burden of disease on MG patients. Disease severity at diagnosis and antibody status predicted the occurrence of MC and disease exacerbation. Intensified monitoring with emphasis on the prevention of infectious complications could be of value to prevent uncontrolled disease in MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Nelke
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.,Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University and University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Frauke Stascheit
- Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Eckert
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University and University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Marc Pawlitzki
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Christina B Schroeter
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Niklas Huntemann
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Mergenthaler
- Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ercan Arat
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Menekse Öztürk
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Dirk Foell
- Department for Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Asmae Gassa
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Henning Stetefeld
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Schroeter
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Benjamin Berger
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Totzeck
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Myasthenia Gravis Society, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University and University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany. .,Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University and University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany.
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9
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Ruan Z, Guo R, Zhou H, Gao F, Lin Y, Xu Q, Yu L, Wu S, Lei T, Zhang M, Gao Y, Lu X, Li H, Sun C, Tang B, Li Z, Chang T. Association of immunosuppression treatment with generalization among patients with ocular myasthenia gravis: a propensity score analysis. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:1805-1814. [PMID: 35188698 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze disease generalization in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) treated with immunosuppression compared with patients without immunosuppression treatment. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from patients with OMG at seven medical centers in China from January 1, 2015 to May 1, 2019 and compared disease generalization in patients (treated with immunosuppression vs. not treated) within 2 years of disease onset using raw and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analyses. RESULTS In the study population of 813 patients with OMG, 425 (52.3%) with immunosuppression had a mean (SD) onset age of 50.0 (15.1) years, and 188 (44.2%) were women. The remaining 388 (47.7%) patients were not immunosuppressed (mean age, 48.4 [15.0] years; 185 [47.7%] women). Disease generalization developed in 122 (31.4%) and 37 (8.7%) patients in the non-immunosuppression and immunosuppression groups, respectively. Relative to non-immunosuppression, immunosuppression was associated with a lower risk of generalization in a multivariable-adjusted Cox model (hazard ratio [HR], 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.40; P<0.001) and IPTW-weighted Cox model (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.19-0.42; P<0.001). In sensitivity analyses, longer duration of immunosuppression was associated with a lower risk of generalization (HR, 0.90 for every one-month increase; 95% CI, 0.87-0.92; P<0.001; IPTW-adjusted). Combination therapy with steroids and non-steroidal immunosuppressants showed superior efficacy in reducing the risk of generalization (HR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.07-0.26; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Immunosuppression significantly reduced the 2-year risk of generalization in patients with OMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rongjing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neuroimmunology, BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou
| | - Ye Lin
- Department of Neurology, The People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Liping Yu
- Department of Neurology, Xianyang First People's Hospital, Xianyang, China
| | - Songdi Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an No.1 Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Lei
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an Fourth People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanwu Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaodan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Baoli Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhuyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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10
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Li H, Ruan Z, Gao F, Zhou H, Guo R, Sun C, Xu Q, Lu Q, Zhou Y, Zhao Z, Yu L, Wu S, Lei T, Gao T, Tang Y, Li C, Huo F, Zhu Y, Sun J, Tang B, Zhang M, Gao Y, Lu X, Li Z, Chang T. Thymectomy and Risk of Generalization in Patients with Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2449-2457. [PMID: 34625864 PMCID: PMC8804035 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01129-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the association between thymectomy and the risk of generalization in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (MG). Data on patients with ocular MG from seven neurological centers in China were retrospectively reviewed. Ocular MG naïve to immunotherapy was categorized according to whether thymectomy was performed (thymectomized group vs. nonsurgical group). Patients in the thymectomized group all underwent surgery within 2 years since ocular symptom onset. The main outcome measure was the generalization. The follow-up period was defined from the date of ocular symptom onset to the date of generalization confirmation, immunotherapy initiation, or last follow-up (defined as 60 months). Of 519 eligible patients (mean [SD] age, 48.7 [15.2] years, 46.6% women), 31 (23.7%) of 131 generalized in the thymectomized group and 122 (31.4%) of 388 did in the nonsurgical group during a median follow-up of 19 months (IQR 8.0-50.0). Thymectomy was independently associated with reduced generalization risk (adjusted HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.66, P < 0.001). Multivariable stratified analysis also verified this association across the subgroups. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the 5-year cumulative rate was significantly lower in the thymectomized group than in the nonsurgical group. To conclude, thymectomy may be considered effective in modifying the progression from ocular to generalized MG irrespective of thymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Zhe Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongjing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Quan Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated To Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liping Yu
- Department of Neurology, Xianyang First People's Hospital, Xianyang, China
| | - Songdi Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an No.1 Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Lei
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an Fourth Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yonglan Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Chunhong Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Feiyan Huo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Baoli Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yanwu Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Xiaodan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Zhuyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, 569 XinSi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China.
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11
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Jain R, Aulakh R. Pediatric Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A Review. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPediatric ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) is difficult to diagnose and manage, owing to its rarity and low index of suspicion in the early stage of the disease. Also, many other conditions having similar presentation cause a further delay in diagnosis. In this review, we highlighted various pointers in history and described bedside clinical tests that can aid in its timely diagnosis. The antibody spectrum in myasthenia is ever increasing and includes anti-muscle specific kinase and low-density lipoprotein-receptor related protein 4 antibodies in addition to acetylcholine receptor antibodies besides many others. However, pediatric OMG patients often test negative for all three antibodies, making the diagnosis even more difficult in triple seronegative patients. Edrophonium and electrophysiological tests, which help in confirming myasthenia in adults, have a limited utility in diagnosing pediatric ocular myasthenia cases. Various practical difficulties are encountered like nonavailability of edrophonium, risk of bradycardia associated with neostigmine use and its lower sensitivity, noncooperative children, and limited technical expertise in performing electrophysiological tests in children. In this article, we described a pragmatic approach to diagnose pediatric OMG along with the important aspects of its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Roosy Aulakh
- Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, India
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