Systemic lupus erythematosus followed by myasthenia gravis: a rare association

Myasthenia Gravis: An Unanticipated Cause of Failure to Wean in a Postpartum Patient with Pre-existing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Sudden onset and de novo Myasthenia gravis (MG) in the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare postpartum phenomenon and can easily misguide the treating physician. A known case of SLE, 4 days after an elective cesarean section, presented to the intensive care unit for weaning-off mechanical ventilation after being put on ventilatory support in the emergency room, following acute-onset partial seizures. She was subsequently diagnosed to have new-onset MG, treated for the condition and later successfully extubated.

The effect of a group exercise program on functional performance of patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a weekly group exercise program on the functional performance of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Material and methods. Patients (aged 51-78 years) with knee osteoarthritis Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III were included in an exercise program. The exercise sessions were held once-a week, for six months, being supervised by a physical therapist. The scope of the program was to increase the mobility, muscular strength and balance. The physical function outcome was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in two moments – before and after participating in the exercise program. Results. All patients completed the group exercise program. The SPPB score at the time of inclusion in the study was 8.33 ± 1.9. After six months of exercising in the weekly group exercise program, the score increased significantly at 9.07 ± 1.73 (p<0.0001). Conclusions. In conclusion, participating in a group-based exercise program for six months have been proved to have beneficial outcomes in physical performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.