[Diseases and syndromes associated with myasthenia gravis in a group of 304 patients]

[Myasthenia gravis. Clinical and therapeutic evaluation of 55 cases]

It is reported the study of 55 myasthenia gravis cases, with a review of the symptoms and signals, comparing initial symptoms ant those found at the time of the first evaluation. The mean age of the patients was 31.05 +/- 18.46 and the mean time of follow-up 5.88 +/- 5.47 years. Also the results of the diagnostic tests is reported, as well as the results of the treatment. The patients were treated with anticholinesterasics, corticosteroids, azathioprine, plasma-exchange and thymectomy. A statistical analysis with the chi-square test was unable to show a difference between the above procedures, regarding the definitive resolution of the disease. From the 55 cases, 9 (16.6%) had total remission, 41 (74.5%) remained with symptoms and need some kind of treatment, and 5 (9.09%) died (three patients with thymoma, one patient with congenital myasthenia gravis, severe kyphoscoliosis and pulmonary restriction, and one patient during the thymectomy procedure). It was found a relation between the signs of respiratory insufficiency, myasthenic crisis and thymoma only in the group of patients who died. A review about the diagnostic methods and treatment in the current days is made.

[Myasthenia gravis. Evolution of research at the Neurologic Clinic of the Clinical Hospital of the University of São Paulo Medical School]

The evolution of investigations in Myasthenia gravis in the Division of Neurology, University of São Paulo Medical School, during the period from 1956 to 1986 is reported. The most important findings in the therapeutical, clinical and immunological researches are showed.