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Gilhus NE, Andersen H, Andersen LK, Boldingh M, Laakso S, Leopoldsdottir MO, Madsen S, Piehl F, Popperud TH, Punga AR, Schirakow L, Vissing J. Generalized myasthenia gravis with acetylcholine receptor antibodies: A guidance for treatment. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16229. [PMID: 38321574 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) with antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor is a chronic disease causing muscle weakness. Access to novel treatments warrants authoritative treatment recommendations. The Nordic countries have similar, comprehensive health systems, mandatory health registers, and extensive MG research. METHODS MG experts and patient representatives from the five Nordic countries formed a working group to prepare treatment guidance for MG based on a systematic literature search and consensus meetings. RESULTS Pyridostigmine represents the first-line symptomatic treatment, while ambenonium and beta adrenergic agonists are second-line options. Early thymectomy should be undertaken if a thymoma, and in non-thymoma patients up to the age of 50-65 years if not obtaining remission on symptomatic treatment. Most patients need immunosuppressive drug treatment. Combining corticosteroids at the lowest possible dose with azathioprine is recommended, rituximab being an alternative first-line option. Mycophenolate, methotrexate, and tacrolimus represent second-line immunosuppression. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin are used for myasthenic crises and acute exacerbations. Novel complement inhibitors and FcRn blockers are effective and fast-acting treatments with promising safety profiles. Their use depends on local availability, refunding policies, and cost-benefit analyses. Adapted physical training is recommended. Planning of pregnancies with optimal treatment, information, and awareness of neonatal MG is necessary. Social support and adaptation of work and daily life activities are recommended. CONCLUSIONS Successful treatment of MG rests on timely combination of different interventions. Due to spontaneous disease fluctuations, comorbidities, and changes in life conditions, regular long-term specialized follow-up is needed. Most patients do reasonably well but there is room for further improvement. Novel treatments are promising, though subject to restricted access due to costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Henning Andersen
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Linda Kahr Andersen
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marion Boldingh
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sini Laakso
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Sidsel Madsen
- The National Rehabilitation Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anna Rostedt Punga
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Engebretsen I, Gilhus NE, Kristiansen IS, Sæther EM, Lindberg-Schager I, Arneberg F, Bugge C. The epidemiology and societal costs of myasthenia gravis in Norway: A non-interventional study using national registry data. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16233. [PMID: 38323756 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE With the emergence of new treatment options for myasthenia gravis (MG), there is a need for information regarding epidemiology, healthcare utilization, and societal costs to support economic evaluation and identify eligible patients. We aimed to enhance the understanding of these factors using nationwide systematic registry data in Norway. METHODS We received comprehensive national registry data from five Norwegian health- and work-related registries. The annual incidence and prevalence were estimated for the period 2013-2021 using nationwide hospital and prescription data. The direct, indirect (productivity losses) and intangible costs (value of lost life-years [LLY] and health-related quality of life [HRQoL]) related to MG were estimated over a period of 1 year. RESULTS In 2021, the incidence of MG ranged from 15 to 16 cases per year per million population depending on the registry used, while the prevalence varied between 208.9 and 210.3 per million population. The total annual societal costs of MG amounted to EUR 24,743 per patient, of which EUR 3592 (14.5%) were direct costs, EUR 8666 (35.0%) were productivity loss, and EUR 12,485 (50.5%) were lost value from LLY and reduced HRQoL. CONCLUSION The incidence and prevalence of MG are higher than previously estimated, and the total societal costs of MG are substantial. Our findings demonstrate that productivity losses, and the value of LLY and HRQoL constitute a considerable proportion of the total societal costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ivar Sønbø Kristiansen
- Oslo Economics, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
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Uzawa A, Yasuda M, Akamine H, Onishi Y, Handa H, Ogaya E, Ozawa Y, Masuda H, Mori M, Kuwabara S. Markedly upregulated serum semaphorin 4A as a novel activity marker of myasthenia gravis. Scand J Immunol 2024; 99:e13360. [PMID: 38605547 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody-mediated disease of the neuromuscular junction. Semaphorin 4A (Sema4A) is involved in the activation of T cells in various inflammatory disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Sema4A is involved in the pathogenesis of MG. We measured serum Sema4A concentrations in 30 treatment-naïve MG patients with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies, 7 with muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies and 21 normal controls. As a result, serum Sema4A levels were significantly higher in patients with AChR antibody-positive MG and MuSK antibody-positive MG than in controls (p ≤ 0.0001 for both MG groups). Serum Sema4A levels were correlated with AChR antibody levels (Spearman's ρ = 0.39, p = 0.03) and MG Foundation of America clinical classification classes (Spearman's ρ = 0.38, p = 0.04) in patients with AChR antibody-positive MG. In conclusion, high serum Sema4A levels may reflect T-cell activation, and this molecule could be a potential marker of disease activity in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyuki Uzawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Manato Yasuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Akamine
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yosuke Onishi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hideo Handa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Etsuko Ogaya
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ozawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Japanese Red Cross Narita Hospital, Narita, Japan
| | - Hiroki Masuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiro Mori
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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Takeda Y, Noda Y, Seike N, Ishihara H. [A case of myasthenia gravis with coexistence of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and anti-P/Q-type VGCC antibodies]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2024; 64:292-295. [PMID: 38508730 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
A 79-year-old woman who presented ptosis and dysphagia were admitted to our hospital. Anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and anti-P/Q-type VGCC antibodies were both positive. Electrophysiological examination showed postsynaptic pattern which supported myasthenia gravis. She did not meet the diagnostic criteria for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). In cases which these antibodies coexist, careful electrophysiological evaluation is required for the diagnosis. In addition, although anti-P/Q-type VGCC antibodies have been specific to LEMS, patients with these antibodies represent various symptoms other than LEMS. Low and middle titer of the antibodies may be not specific to LEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Takeda
- Division of Neurology, Kakogawa Central City Hospital
| | | | - Naohiko Seike
- Division of Neurology, Kakogawa Central City Hospital
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Butenko O, Jensen SM, Fillié-Grijpma YE, Verpalen R, Verschuuren JJ, van der Maarel SM, Huijbers MG, Plomp JJ. Change of voltage-gated sodium channel repertoire in skeletal muscle of a MuSK myasthenia gravis mouse model. Eur J Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 38650308 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Muscle-specific kinase myasthenia gravis (MuSK MG) is caused by autoantibodies against MuSK in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). MuSK MG patients have fluctuating, fatigable skeletal muscle weakness, in particular of bulbar muscles. Severity differs greatly between patients, in spite of comparable autoantibody levels. One explanation for inter-patient and inter-muscle variability in sensitivity might be variations in compensatory muscle responses. Previously, we developed a passive transfer mouse model for MuSK MG. In preliminary ex vivo experiments, we observed that muscle contraction of some mice, in particular those with milder myasthenia, had become partially insensitive to inhibition by μ-Conotoxin-GIIIB, a blocker of skeletal muscle NaV1.4 voltage-gated sodium channels. We hypothesised that changes in NaV channel expression profile, possibly co-expression of (μ-Conotoxin-GIIIB insensitive) NaV1.5 type channels, might lower the muscle fibre's firing threshold and facilitate neuromuscular synaptic transmission. To test this hypothesis, we here performed passive transfer in immuno-compromised mice, using 'high', 'intermediate' and 'low' dosing regimens of purified MuSK MG patient IgG4. We compared myasthenia levels, μ-Conotoxin-GIIIB resistance and muscle fibre action potential characteristics and firing thresholds. High- and intermediate-dosed mice showed clear, progressive myasthenia, not seen in low-dosed animals. However, diaphragm NMJ electrophysiology demonstrated almost equal myasthenic severities amongst all regimens. Nonetheless, low-dosed mouse diaphragms showed a much higher degree of μ-Conotoxin-GIIIB resistance. This was not explained by upregulation of Scn5a (the NaV1.5 gene), lowered muscle fibre firing thresholds or histologically detectable upregulated NaV1.5 channels. It remains to be established which factors are responsible for the observed μ-Conotoxin-GIIIB insensitivity and whether the NaV repertoire change is compensatory beneficial or a bystander effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Butenko
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stine Marie Jensen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Robyn Verpalen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan J Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maartje G Huijbers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap J Plomp
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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6
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Su Y, Wang X, Xing Y, Wang Z, Bu H, Cui X, Yang Y, Cai B. The analysis of factors affecting medication adherence in patients with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864231206877. [PMID: 38654744 PMCID: PMC11036929 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231206877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Clinically, patients with myasthenia gravis are generally treated with drugs to improve their physical condition, and poor medication adherence can hinder their recovery. Many studies have shown the importance of medication adherence for effective treatment. Various factors may affect a patient's medication adherence; however, studies concerning medication adherence in patients with myasthenia gravis are rare. Objectives This study aimed to identify the factors related to medication adherence in patients with myasthenia gravis, and determine the possibility of predicting medication adherence. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among inpatients and outpatients with myasthenia gravis of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China. Data on patient demographics, disease-related characteristics, and medical treatment were collected. We evaluated medication adherence of the patients using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8, Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, and the Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale. Results We distributed 200 questionnaires and finally retrieved 198 valid questionnaires. A total of 139 (70.2%) women participated in this study, and 81 (40.9%) among the 198 participants were aged 40-59 years. In total, 103 (52.0%) participants exhibited bad adherence to pharmacological treatment, and factors such as taking medication irregularly [odds ratio (OR) = 0.242, 95% CI = 0.093-0.627], the necessity of taking medicine (OR = 1.286, 95% CI = 1.142-1.449), the concerns of taking medicine (OR = 0.890, 95% CI = 0.801-0.988), and the self-efficacy for taking medications under difficult circumstances (OR = 1.194, 95% CI = 1.026-1.389) had statistically significant impacts on medication adherence. Conclusion Our study shows that taking medication irregularly and concerns of taking medicine are the risk factors for medication adherence. Meanwhile, the necessity of talking medicine and self-efficacy for taking medications under difficult circumstances are the protective factors for medication adherence. Our findings can help medical staff to enhance patients' medication adherence by informing patients necessary medical knowledge, emphasizing the necessity for medication, relieving patients' concerns regarding medication, and improving the self-efficacy for taking medications under difficult circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Su
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinxian Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuemeng Xing
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenni Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hailing Bu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Cui
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunying Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.16 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, China
| | - Bingxing Cai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
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7
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Bicskó RR, Illés Á, Hevessy Z, Ivády G, Kerekes G, Méhes G, Csépány T, Gergely L. Eculizumab Treatment of Massive Hemolysis Occurring in a Rare Co-Existence of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria and Myasthenia Gravis. Hematol Rep 2024; 16:255-259. [PMID: 38651454 PMCID: PMC11036238 DOI: 10.3390/hematolrep16020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The co-occurrence of myasthenia gravis (MG) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is rare; only one case has been published so far. We report a 63-year-old Caucasian female patient who was diagnosed with MG at the age of 43. Thymoma was also detected, and so it was surgically resected, which resulted in reasonable disease control for nearly 20 years. Slight hemolysis began to emerge, and then myasthenia symptoms progressed, so immunosuppressive therapy was started. Due to progressive disease and respiratory failure, the patient underwent plasmapheresis, and ventilatory support was stopped. Marked hemolysis was present, and diagnostic tests confirmed PNH with type III PNH cells. Her myasthenia symptoms aggravated, mechanical ventilation had to be started again, and due to the respiratory acidosis, massive hemolysis occurred. After two plasmapheresis sessions, the patient received eculizumab at 600 mg, resulting in prompt hemolysis control. After the second dose of the treatment, the patient was extubated. Still, due to their inability to cough, she developed another respiratory failure and pneumonia-sepsis, resulting in the patient's death. This case highlights the rare association between these two serious diseases and similar immune-mediated pathophysiology mechanisms involving the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ráhel Réka Bicskó
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Á.I.); (L.G.)
| | - Árpád Illés
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Á.I.); (L.G.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Hevessy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.H.); (G.I.)
| | - Gergely Ivády
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.H.); (G.I.)
| | - György Kerekes
- Intensive Care Unit, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Gábor Méhes
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Tünde Csépány
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Lajos Gergely
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Á.I.); (L.G.)
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Zhou X, Yang Y, Zhu F, Chen X, Zhu Y, Gui T, Li Y, Xue Q. Neurometabolic and Brain Functional Alterations Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Combined 1H-MRS and fMRI Study. Neuroscience 2024; 544:12-27. [PMID: 38423165 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Whether patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) exhibit cognitive impairment is controversial. Also the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We aimed to investigate alterations in cognitive function, neurometabolite levels, and brain function in patients with MG and to explore the associations between abnormal regional brain functional activity, neurometabolite concentrations in the MPFC and left thalamus, and cognitive activity in patients with MG. Neuropsychological tests, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging were performed on 41 patients with MG and 45 race-, sex-, age-, and education-matched healthy controls (HCs). The results suggest that MG is accompanied by cognitive decline, as indicated by global cognitive function, visual-spatial function, language, memory, abnormalities in regional brain functional activity, and neurometabolite alterations (including GABA, NAA, and Cho) in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and left thalamus. Cognitive impairment in patients with MG may be related to abnormal regional brain functional activity and changes in neurometabolites, and regional brain functional activity may be modulated by specific neurometabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Zhou
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China; Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Yunfei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Tiantian Gui
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Yonggang Li
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China.
| | - Qun Xue
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China.
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Howard JF, Bresch S, Farmakidis C, Freimer M, Genge A, Hewamadduma C, Hinton J, Hussain Y, Juntas-Morales R, Kaminski HJ, Maniaol A, Mantegazza R, Masuda M, Nowak RJ, Sivakumar K, Śmiłowski M, Utsugisawa K, Vu T, Weiss MD, Zajda M, Bloemers J, Boroojerdi B, Brock M, de la Borderie G, Duda PW, Vanderkelen M, Leite MI. Long-term safety and efficacy of zilucoplan in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis: interim analysis of the RAISE-XT open-label extension study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241243186. [PMID: 38638673 PMCID: PMC11025429 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241243186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a chronic, unpredictable disease associated with high treatment and disease burdens, with a need for more effective and well-tolerated treatments. Objectives To evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of zilucoplan in a mild-to-severe, acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive (AChR+) gMG population. Design Ongoing, multicenter, phase III open-label extension (OLE) study. Methods Eligible patients had completed a qualifying randomized, placebo-controlled phase II or phase III zilucoplan study and received daily, self-administered subcutaneous 0.3 mg/kg zilucoplan. The primary endpoint was incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score. Results In total, 200 patients enrolled. At the cut-off date (8 September 2022), median (range) exposure to zilucoplan in RAISE-XT was 1.2 (0.11-4.45) years. Mean age at OLE baseline was 53.3 years. A total of 188 (94%) patients experienced a TEAE, with the most common being MG worsening (n = 52, 26%) and COVID-19 (n = 49, 25%). In patients who received zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg in the parent study, further improvements in MG-ADL score continued through to Week 24 (least squares mean change [95% confidence interval] from double-blind baseline -6.06 [-7.09, -5.03]) and were sustained through to Week 60 (-6.04 [-7.21, -4.87]). In patients who switched from placebo in the parent study, rapid improvements in MG-ADL score were observed at the first week after switching to zilucoplan; further improvements were observed at Week 24, 12 weeks after switching (-6.46 [-8.19, -4.72]), and were sustained through to Week 60 (-6.51 [-8.37, -4.65]). Consistent results were observed in other efficacy endpoints. Conclusion Zilucoplan demonstrated a favorable long-term safety profile, good tolerability, and sustained efficacy through to Week 60 with consistent benefits in a broad AChR+ gMG population. Additional long-term data will be available in future analyses. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04225871 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04225871).
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Affiliation(s)
- James F. Howard
- Department of Neurology, UNC School of Medicine, The University College of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2200 Houpt Building, CB#7025, 170 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7025, USA
| | - Saskia Bresch
- Service de Neurologie, Hospital Pasteur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - Constantine Farmakidis
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Clinical Research Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Channa Hewamadduma
- Academic Neuroscience Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences (SITRAN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - John Hinton
- Department of Neurology, Frederick P. Whiddon School of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Yessar Hussain
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Raul Juntas-Morales
- Department of Neurology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Henry J. Kaminski
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Renato Mantegazza
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Masayuki Masuda
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Richard J. Nowak
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Marek Śmiłowski
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Tuan Vu
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael D. Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Małgorzata Zajda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - M. Isabel Leite
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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van Enkhuizen J, Binns J, Betts A, Hosnijeh FS, Alexander M, McCormack M, Jacob S. A retrospective observational study on characteristics, treatment patterns, and healthcare resource use of patients with myasthenia gravis in England. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241237495. [PMID: 38634003 PMCID: PMC11022674 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241237495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There are limited data on the real-world healthcare resource use (HCRU) and management costs of myasthenia gravis (MG) in England. Objective This study aims to assess the burden of disease for patients with MG in England. Design A retrospective, observational cohort study of adult patients diagnosed with MG, using data from the Hospital Episode Statistics data warehouse. Methods Patients with a first-ever recorded diagnosis of MG between 30 June 2015 and 30 June 2020 were followed up until 30 June 2021 or death, whichever occurred first. Post-diagnosis patient characteristics, treatment patterns, HCRU, and costs were described. Costs were evaluated using National Health Service reference costs. Results A total of 9087 patients with a median follow-up time of 2.9 years (range, 1.7-4.3 years) were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 66.5 years and 53% of the patients were male. A large proportion of patients (72.8%) were admitted as inpatients during follow-up with a mean number of 1.3 admissions. Patients hospitalized for MG-related complications spent a mean of 9.7 days per patient-year in the hospital. During follow-up, 599 (6.6% of the total cohort) and 163 (1.8%) patients had a record of rescue therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PLEX), respectively. Rituximab was administered to 81 (0.9%) patients and 268 (2.9%) patients underwent thymectomy. In those patients receiving rescue therapy or rituximab, >10% received at least three cycles of the same treatment. The average annual cost of hospital admissions across all patients treated with IVIg, PLEX, and rituximab were £907,072, £689,979, and £146,726, respectively. Conclusion A majority of MG patients required hospitalization or accident and emergency attendance, resulting in high HCRU and costs. A subset of patients required rescue therapy (including IVIg and PLEX), rituximab administration, ventilation, or thymectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Saiju Jacob
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Rare Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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Chen J, Feng L, Li S, Wang H, Huang X, Shen C, Feng H. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in AChR-Ab Positive Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: A Real World Study About Its Early Response. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2299-2308. [PMID: 38645879 PMCID: PMC11032135 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s455104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Since there is no clear priority or selection principle in the guidelines for myasthenia crisis, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and intravenous immunoglobulin are often administered randomly. However, it should be more prudent in taking TPE due to its higher cost and risk. Studying its early response factors is crucial for managing myasthenia crisis and can improve medical and economic benefits. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted, and patients classified as having "impending myasthenia crisis" or experiencing a myasthenia crisis and treated by TPE were included. The primary endpoint was the response after TPE. Univariate logistic regression analysis and repeated measurement were performed to analyze factors related to TPE efficacy. Results A total of 30 patients who treated with TPE as their fast-acting treatments were enrolled. After TPE, those whose QMGs and/or MGCs decreased by ≥5 points or ≥30% of the baseline were judged as "response group", accounting for 66.67% (20/30). Respiratory symptoms had a response rate of 72.00% (18/25), showing the most remarkable improvement. Meanwhile, extraocular symptoms were the least sensitive, with only 8.00% (2/25) showing efficacy. Thymoma (100.00% vs 50.00%, P=0.002) and a high concentration of AChR-Ab (37.37 nmol/L vs 25.4 nmol/L, P=0.039) were common in the early response group. Repeated measures showed significant changes in AChR-Ab and CD19+ B cells before and after TPE (all with P < 0.05). After treatment, the CD19+ B cells tended to decrease in the response group. Discussion These results indicated that, for AChR-Ab positive generalized MG, TPE can quickly improve respiratory symptoms. Thymoma and a high concentration of AChR-Ab before TPE predict an early better response. Additionally, TPE may work by decreasing AChR-Ab levels and inducing immune regulation. Future prospective and randomized controlled studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Chen
- Department of Neurology and Neurointensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Neurology and Neurointensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiyin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Neurology and Neurointensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Neurology and Neurointensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cunzhou Shen
- Department of Neurology and Neurointensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiyu Feng
- Department of Neurology and Neurointensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Zilucoplan (Zilbrysq) for myasthenia gravis. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2024; 66:60-62. [PMID: 38576149 DOI: 10.58347/tml.2024.1700c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The FDA has approved the complement C5 inhibitor zilucoplan (Zilbrysq – UCB) for once-daily subcutaneous treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive. Zilucoplan is the first complement inhibitor to be approved for treatment of myasthenia gravis that can be self-administered.
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Okusa S, Takizawa T, Imai S, Oyama M, Ishizuchi K, Nakahara J, Hori S, Suzuki S. Serious Bacterial Infections Associated with Eculizumab: A Pharmacovigilance Study. Intern Med 2024; 63:1061-1066. [PMID: 37690847 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1893-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Molecular-targeted agents, including eculizumab and rituximab, are considered treatment options for refractory myasthenia gravis (MG), but bacterial infections can occur as serious adverse events when using these agents. The present study elucidated the relative risks of bacterial infections associated with eculizumab and rituximab using a pharmacovigilance database. Methods We analyzed eculizumab- and rituximab-associated adverse events reported between 2007 and 2021 in the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and herein report a refractory MG patient who developed streptococcal toxic shock syndrome during eculizumab treatment. Patients We evaluated a 74-year-old Japanese woman with refractory MG who developed severe bacteremia after receiving eculizumab. Results A total of 44,215 and 108,485 adverse events were reported with eculizumab and rituximab, respectively, from among 13,742,321 individual case safety reports in the FAERS database after data cleaning. We found a strong association between eculizumab and Neisseria infections. In contrast, we found only one case of meningococcal meningitis treated with rituximab. Both eculizumab and rituximab were weakly associated with streptococcal infections. Two cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome were associated with rituximab. Conclusion Careful monitoring of serious bacterial infections associated with eculizumab treatment is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Okusa
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Takizawa
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Shungo Imai
- Division of Drug Informatics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Japan
| | - Munenori Oyama
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kei Ishizuchi
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Jin Nakahara
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Satoko Hori
- Division of Drug Informatics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
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Zammit F, Seront E. Neurological Adverse Events Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Practical Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:501. [PMID: 38675461 PMCID: PMC11053462 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in cancer therapy has brought attention to their associated neurotoxicities, termed neurological immune-related adverse events (n-irAEs). Despite their relatively rare incidence, n-irAEs pose a significant risk, potentially leading to severe, long-lasting disabilities or even fatal outcomes. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of n-irAEs, focusing on their recognition and management. The review addresses a spectrum of n-irAEs, encompassing myositis, myasthenia gravis, various neuropathies, and central nervous system complications, such as encephalitis, meningitis, and demyelinating diseases. The key features of n-irAEs are emphasized in this review, including their early onset after initiation of ICIs, potential association with non-neurological irAEs and/or concurrent oncological response, the significance of ruling out other etiologies, and the expected improvement upon discontinuation of ICIs and/or immunosuppression. Furthermore, this review delves into considerations for ICI re-challenge and the intricate nature of n-irAEs within the context of pre-existing autoimmune and paraneoplastic syndromes. It underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the pivotal role of severity grading in guiding treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmanuel Seront
- Institut Roi Albert II, Department of Medical Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
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15
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Croitoru CG, Pavel-Tanasa M, Cuciureanu DI, Hodorog DN, Cianga P. Autoimmune and Non-Autoimmune Comorbidities in Myasthenic Patients of East-European Descent: A Case-Control Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2273. [PMID: 38673546 PMCID: PMC11051044 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: As the life expectancy of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) is improving, so the number of comorbidities continues to rise, with a potentially significant impact on the overall morbidity and mortality. The main aim of the study was to assess comorbidities of MG in a group of patients of East-European descent. Methods: We retrospectively compared 185 adult myasthenic patients with 895 sex- and age-matched controls, admitted from January 2013 to December 2021. Results: Of these patients, 60% had late-onset MG (LOMG), with a clear predominance of women in both the LOMG and early-onset (EOMG) types; and 23.8% of the patients had a radiological description consistent with thymoma. All myasthenic patients had at least one comorbidity; 20 (10.8%) of the patients associated at least one autoimmune comorbidity. Obesity (p < 0.01), type 2 diabetes (p < 0.0001), cerebrovascular diseases (p < 0.0001), essential hypertension (p < 0.01), and cardiac arrythmias (p < 0.0001) were more frequent in patients than in the control group. The granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio was higher in the myasthenic patients compared to the controls (p < 0.01 for LOMG). Discussion: We, thus, suggest a common chronic low-grade inflammatory background as a possible connection between MG subtypes and some of these apparently unconnected comorbidities. Conclusions: The East-European origin of the patients offered a different social and cultural angle of a disease studied mainly on populations of West-European and Asian descent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Georgiana Croitoru
- I Neurology Clinic, “Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 700309 Iași, Romania
- Department of Immunology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania;
| | - Mariana Pavel-Tanasa
- Department of Immunology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania;
| | - Dan Iulian Cuciureanu
- I Neurology Clinic, “Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 700309 Iași, Romania
- Department Medical III, Discipline of Neurology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Diana Nicoleta Hodorog
- I Neurology Clinic, “Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 700309 Iași, Romania
- Department Medical III, Discipline of Neurology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Petru Cianga
- Department of Immunology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania;
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17
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Inoue K, Hasegawa M, Sato R, Kobayashi M. Respiratory paralysis in a patient with myasthenia gravis after ingestion of marine carnivorous gastropods: A case report. Intern Med 2024:2828-23. [PMID: 38599876 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2828-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The salivary glands of marine carnivorous gastropods contain tetramines, which usually cause mild symptoms of poisoning. However, these symptoms may be fatal in rare cases. A 58-year-old woman with a history of myasthenia gravis complained of dyspnea after consuming marine carnivorous gastropods with intact salivary glands. Upon arrival at the hospital, her blood gas analysis revealed type II respiratory failure with a pCO2 of 154 mmHg. Tracheal intubation was immediately performed. Her respiratory condition improved the following day, and she therefore could be weaned off the ventilator. Tetramine poisoning can be fatal for patients with certain underlying medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Inoue
- Department of Emergency, Japanese Red Cross Ishinomaki Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Ryosuke Sato
- Department of Neurology, Japanese Red Cross Ishinomaki Hospital, Japan
| | - Michio Kobayashi
- Department of Emergency, Japanese Red Cross Ishinomaki Hospital, Japan
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Qin Y, Chen S, Gui Q, Zhang T, Li Y, Du Z, Lv Y, Du X, Hu Y, Liu Z. Prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myasthenia gravis: a single center experience and systematic review. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1372861. [PMID: 38633537 PMCID: PMC11022771 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1372861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)-induced myasthenia gravis (MG) is an uncommon but potentially fatal neurotoxicity. We aim to help physicians familiarize themselves with the clinical characteristics of ICI-induced MG, facilitating early diagnosis and prompt intervention. Methods We searched the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital medical record system from January 2017 to August 2023 for patients diagnosed with ICI-induced MG. We systematically reviewed the literature until August 2023 to identify all similar patients. We collected clinical information on these patients. Results 110 patients were identified, 9 from our institution and 101 from case reports. In our institution, Median age was 66 years (range: 49-79 years). 6 were males. The most common was lung cancer (n = 4). All patients had no previous history of MG and received PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors. The median time from ICI initiation to first MG symptoms was 4 weeks (range: 2-15 weeks). ICIs were discontinued in all patients. Most patients initially received high-dose corticosteroids, and their symptoms improved. Some patients are discharged with corticosteroids maintenance therapy. In addition, 55 patients (50%) with concomitant myositis and/or myocarditis and MG-induced mortality were more common in the myositis and/or myocarditis group (10.9% vs. 34.5%, p = 0.016). Overlap of myositis with MG (OR = 3.148, p = 0.009) and anti-AChR antibody positivity (OR = 3.364, p = 0.005) were both significantly associated with poor outcomes. Conclusion Our study reveals the prognosis of ICI-induced MG and suggests that myositis and/or myocarditis are severe comorbidities of ICI-induced MG, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Gui
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The 983rd Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijuan Du
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yahui Lv
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Du
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhefeng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Perrino M, Voulaz E, Balin S, Cazzato G, Fontana E, Franzese S, Defendi M, De Vincenzo F, Cordua N, Tamma R, Borea F, Aliprandi M, Airoldi M, Cecchi LG, Fazio R, Alloisio M, Marulli G, Santoro A, Di Tommaso L, Ingravallo G, Russo L, Da Rin G, Villa A, Della Bella S, Zucali PA, Mavilio D. Autoimmunity in thymic epithelial tumors: a not yet clarified pathologic paradigm associated with several unmet clinical needs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1288045. [PMID: 38629065 PMCID: PMC11018877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1288045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare mediastinal cancers originating from the thymus, classified in two main histotypes: thymoma and thymic carcinoma (TC). TETs affect a primary lymphoid organ playing a critical role in keeping T-cell homeostasis and ensuring an adequate immunological tolerance against "self". In particular, thymomas and not TC are frequently associated with autoimmune diseases (ADs), with Myasthenia Gravis being the most common AD present in 30% of patients with thymoma. This comorbidity, in addition to negatively affecting the quality and duration of patients' life, reduces the spectrum of the available therapeutic options. Indeed, the presence of autoimmunity represents an exclusion criteria for the administration of the newest immunotherapeutic treatments with checkpoint inhibitors. The pathophysiological correlation between TETs and autoimmunity remains a mystery. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of a residual and active thymopoiesis in adult patients affected by thymomas, especially in mixed and lymphocytic-rich thymomas, currently known as type AB and B thymomas. The aim of this review is to provide the state of art in regard to the histological features of the different TET histotype, to the role of the different immune cells infiltrating tumor microenvironments and their impact in the break of central immunologic thymic tolerance in thymomas. We discuss here both cellular and molecular immunologic mechanisms inducing the onset of autoimmunity in TETs, limiting the portfolio of therapeutic strategies against TETs and greatly impacting the prognosis of associated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Perrino
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Voulaz
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Balin
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Fontana
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- Human Genome and Biomedical Technologies Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Franzese
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Defendi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio De Vincenzo
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadia Cordua
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Borea
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Aliprandi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Airoldi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Giovanni Cecchi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Fazio
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Alloisio
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marulli
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Russo
- Clinical Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Da Rin
- Clinical Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Della Bella
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Andrea Zucali
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Mehrabyan A, Traub RE. Retrospective review of patients with myasthenia gravis switched from plasma exchange therapy to efgartigimod treatment. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:467-471. [PMID: 38284651 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is sometimes used as maintenance therapy for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). Efgartigimod is a newly approved monoclonal antibody targeting the neonatal Fc receptor, effectively reducing immunoglobulin G levels in the treatment of MG. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical experience of switching patients from maintenance TPE treatment to efgartigimod infusions. METHODS A retrospective review of medical records was performed on patients previously treated with maintenance TPE for the diagnosis of MG and subsequently switched to efgartigimod infusions. Clinical characteristics and response to treatment switch were described. RESULTS Five of seven patients demonstrated improvement on Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America-post intervention status, one was unchanged and one was in pharmacological remission. This was reflected in pre- and postswitch MG activities of daily living and MG manual muscle testing scores. All patients have continued on efgartigimod therapy. The duration of treatment with efgartigimod at the time of this review ranged from 1 to 13 months. Recurrent uncomplicated infections were noted in two patients on efgartigimod therapy. Maintenance dosing regimens of efgartigimod varied based on clinical response to treatment and side effects. DISCUSSION In this series, efgartigimod appeared effective and well tolerated in patients switched from TPE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca E Traub
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Kim S, Lee JJ, Seok HY. Rethinking the Likelihood of Myasthenia Gravis Exacerbations. Neurohospitalist 2024; 14:229. [PMID: 38666270 PMCID: PMC11040626 DOI: 10.1177/19418744231215533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sohyeon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Joon Lee
- Department of Neurology, Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hung Youl Seok
- Department of Neurology, Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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22
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Frangiamore R, Rinaldi E, Vanoli F, Andreetta F, Ciusani E, Bonanno S, Maggi L, Gallone A, Colasuonno A, Tramacere I, Cheli M, Pinna A, Mantegazza R, Antozzi C. Efgartigimod in generalized myasthenia gravis: A real-life experience at a national reference center. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16189. [PMID: 38164996 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inhibition of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) for IgG is a promising new therapeutic strategy for antibody-mediated disorders. We report our real-life experience with efgartigimod (EFG) in 19 patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) along a clinical follow-up of 14 months. METHODS EFG was administered according to the GENERATIVE protocol (consisting of a Fixed period of two treatment cycles [given 1 month apart] of four infusions at weekly intervals, followed by a Flexible period of re-cycling in case of worsening). Eight patients were positive for acetylcholine receptor antibody, four for muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibody, and two for lipoprotein-related protein 4 antibody, and five were classified as triple negative. Efficacy of EFG was assessed by the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living, Myasthenia Gravis Composite, and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis scales. RESULTS Fifty-three percent of patients needed three treatment cycles, 26% needed four, and 21% needed five along the 14-month clinical follow-up. Meaningful improvement was observed at the end of each cycle with the clinical scores adopted. EFG had a dramatic effect on disease course, as during the year before treatment eight of 19 patients (42%) were hospitalized, and 15 of 19 (79%) needed treatment with plasma exchange or immunoglobulins; three of 19 (16%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. During EFG, none of the patients was hospitalized and only one patient required plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulins. No major side effects or infusion-related reactions occurred. CONCLUSIONS We observed that EFG was safe and modified significantly the course of the disease along a 14-month follow-up. Our experience strengthens the role of FcRn inhibition as an effective new tool for long-term treatment of gMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Frangiamore
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Rinaldi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Vanoli
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Andreetta
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Ciusani
- Laboratory of Neurological Biochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Gallone
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Colasuonno
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Department of Research and Clinical Development, Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Cheli
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Antozzi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
- Immunotherapy and Apheresis Departmental Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
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23
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Bhandari SK, Bist A, Ghimire A. Single breath count test and its applications in clinical practice: a systematic review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2130-2136. [PMID: 38576972 PMCID: PMC10990392 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Single breath count test (SBCT) may be a reproducible, rapid, easy to perform and easy to interpret substitute to spirometry especially in low resource settings for certain conditions. Its interest has been rekindled with the recent COVID-19 pandemic and it can be done as a part of tele-medicine as well. Objectives The objective of this review was to summarize the evidence of SBCT in clinical practice. Methods The authors searched EMBASE, PubMed and Google Scholar for all the relevant articles as per exclusion and inclusion criteria. Two authors independently screened all the studies. Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. The systematic review was carried following the PRISMA guidelines. Results After the rigorous process of screening, a total of 13 articles qualified for the systematic review. SBCT greater than 25 had sensitivity of greater than 80% in diagnosing myasthenia gravis exacerbation and SBCT less than or equal to 5 predicted the need for mechanical ventilation in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) patients with 95.2% specificity. Also, Single breath count correlated significantly with forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in children with pulmonary pathology and in patients with COVID-19 it was used to rule out the need for noninvasive respiratory support. Conclusion SBCT will undoubtedly be an asset in low resource settings and in tele-medicine to assess the prognosis and guide management of different respiratory and neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anil Bist
- Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Internal Medicine, Maharajgunj, Nepal
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24
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Gwathmey KG, Ding H, Hehir M, Silvestri N. How should newer therapeutic agents be incorporated into the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis? Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:389-396. [PMID: 38308492 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a postsynaptic neuromuscular junction disorder that results in fatigable muscle weakness. The traditional treatment approach includes the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, and steroid-sparing immunosuppressant therapies (ISTs) for chronic management, whereas exacerbations and crises are managed with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PLEX). Over the past 6 years, four new therapeutic agents with novel immunological mechanisms of action-complement and neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibition-were approved as a result of clinically significant improvement in gMG symptoms of those treated with these newer agents in Phase 3 clinical trials. At present, it is unclear when and in whom to initiate these therapeutic agents and how to integrate them into the current treatment paradigm. When selecting a newer therapeutic agent, we use a simple equation: Value = Clinical Improvement/(Cost + Side Effects + Treatment Burden), which guides our decision-making. We consider using these novel therapeutic agents in two specific clinical situations. Firstly, the newer agents are fast-acting, suggesting they can be used in clinically unstable patients as "bridge therapy," and secondly, they provide additional options for those patients considered treatment-refractory. There are downsides, however, including treatment cost, unique side effect profiles, and intravenous and subcutaneous drug administration (though for some, this may be an advantage). As additional drugs enter the marketplace with unique mechanisms of action, routes of administration, and dosing schedules, the placement of the novel therapeutic agents in the gMG treatment algorithm will likely evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly G Gwathmey
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Huanghe Ding
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Hehir
- Department of Neurology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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25
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Wang B, Zhu Y, Liu D, Hu C, Zhu R. The intricate dance of non-coding RNAs in myasthenia gravis pathogenesis and treatment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1342213. [PMID: 38605954 PMCID: PMC11007667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1342213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) stands as a perplexing autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction, driven by a multitude of antibodies targeting postsynaptic elements. However, the mystery of MG pathogenesis has yet to be completely uncovered, and its heterogeneity also challenges diagnosis and treatment. Growing evidence shows the differential expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in MG has played an essential role in the development of MG in recent years. Remarkably, these aberrantly expressed ncRNAs exhibit distinct profiles within diverse clinical subgroups and among patients harboring various antibody types. Furthermore, they have been implicated in orchestrating the production of inflammatory cytokines, perturbing the equilibrium of T helper 1 cells (Th1), T helper 17 cells (Th17), and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and inciting B cells to generate antibodies. Studies have elucidated that certain ncRNAs mirror the clinical severity of MG, while others may hold therapeutic significance, showcasing a propensity to return to normal levels following appropriate treatments or potentially foretelling the responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapies. Notably, the intricate interplay among these ncRNAs does not follow a linear trajectory but rather assembles into a complex network, with competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) emerging as a prominent hub in some cases. This comprehensive review consolidates the landscape of dysregulated ncRNAs in MG, briefly delineating their pivotal role in MG pathogenesis. Furthermore, it explores their promise as prospective biomarkers, aiding in the elucidation of disease subtypes, assessment of disease severity, monitoring therapeutic responses, and as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ruixia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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26
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Hitt EM. Rozanolixizumab: A New Therapy in the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis. Ann Pharmacother 2024:10600280241239048. [PMID: 38533739 DOI: 10.1177/10600280241239048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this article are to review the clinical aspects of rozanolixizumab, to describe clinical trial results that led to the drug's approval, and to examine the impact on patient care to aid clinical decision making. DATA SOURCES A PubMed search was conducted using the terms Rystiggo™, rozanolixizumab, rozanolixizumab therapy, and myasthenia gravis. The most recent prescribing information was also used for information relating to the drug and for identification of pertinent studies. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION Phase I, II, and III randomized controlled trials were all eligible for inclusion. Meeting abstracts and articles focusing on the use of rozanolixizumab or any indication other than generalized myasthenia gravis were excluded from this article. DATA SYNTHESIS Food and Drug Administration approval of rozanolixizumab is based on the phase III MycarinG study in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis. A phase II trial explored initial clinical efficacy and safety pertaining to the dose and frequency of rozanolixizumab across 2 treatment periods in patients with moderate to severe myasthenia gravis. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN COMPARISON TO EXISTING AGENTS Rozanolixizumab is the first therapy approved to treat patients positive for both types of antibodies, anti-acetylcholine receptor or anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase, in generalized myasthenia gravis. CONCLUSION/RELEVANCE The approval of rozanolixizumab represents an advancement in therapy for generalized myasthenia gravis. The provision of individualized, targeted, and well-tolerated treatment is valuable for the patients whose myasthenia gravis is not well controlled and who are seeking a medication with a rapid onset of action to improve their symptoms and overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Hitt
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA
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27
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Siddiqui T, Strandvik G, El-Menyar A, Rizoli S, Al-Thani H. Empirical Pyridostigmine in a Patient with Difficult Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation after Traumatic Brain Injury. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2024; 11:004363. [PMID: 38584891 PMCID: PMC10997404 DOI: 10.12890/2024_004363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a 30-year-old male who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury and then was intubated due to deterioration of consciousness. A head CT scan revealed mild brain oedema, a fractured nasal bone and mild left thoracic wall haematoma. Despite complete clinical and radiological normalisation within 36 hours, he failed to wean off the ventilator. The patient was found to have subtle bulbar manifestations including dysphonia, dysarthria, and dysphagia, with recurrent left lung collapse. He responded to an empirical pyridostigmine trial despite negative biochemical tests for myasthenia gravis (MG). The patient was weaned successfully from the ventilator, transferred to a long-term care facility, and then discharged home. Classic symptoms and signs of a disease may be absent, but the presence of dysarthria, dysphagia, transient vocal cord palsy, nasal speech, absent gag reflex and respiratory failure in difficult-to-wean patients, with no definitive diagnosis, may warrant an empirical trial of therapy for suspected MG and for the benefit of any doubt. LEARNING POINTS "Hidden" cranial injuries may account for subtle bulbar symptoms in victims of traumatic brain injury and should be searched for.Myasthenia gravis has been reported in association with trauma, which comes first and is often difficult to ascertain.A trial of pyridostigmine may be reasonable in difficult-to-wean patients when all other causes have been excluded for the benefit of the doubt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Siddiqui
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gustav Strandvik
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman El-Menyar
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sandro Rizoli
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hassan Al-Thani
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Anh Pham TK, Van Pham P, Dinh Le T, Thanh Nguyen B, Kien Nguyen T, Thanh Tran TT, Hai Nguyen SP, Van Le M. Study on the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of nerve function in myasthenia gravis patients in Vietnam. SAGE Open Med 2024; 12:20503121241229591. [PMID: 38533199 PMCID: PMC10964451 DOI: 10.1177/20503121241229591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Vietnam, there is limited research on the role of nerve conduction in myasthenia gravis and its association with clinical features. Objective This study aims to describe the electrophysiological features in patients with myasthenia gravis. Methods This descriptive study was conducted from September 2019 to December 2021. The study included 33 myasthenia gravis patients who sought medical consultation or received inpatient treatment during this period. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classifies myasthenia gravis into five groups: I, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb, and V. Notably, Group I involves pure ocular weakness, whereas Group a primarily impacts limb and axial muscles, and Group b mainly affects bulbar and respiratory muscles. Results The study revealed that motor and sensory nerve conduction in the upper and lower limbs were within normal limits for the patient group under evaluation. Repetitive nerve stimulation testing at a frequency of 3 Hz showed positive results in 66.7% of myasthenia gravis patients. Myasthenia gravis patients displayed distinct clinical symptoms, with ptosis being the most common (87.9%). Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification indicated the highest proportion in subgroup IIa (24.2%), with myasthenia gravis predominating in limb and axial muscles (Group a) observed in 51.5% of cases. Needle electromyography showed no abnormalities in myasthenia gravis patients. There was an association between acetylcholine receptor antibody titers and the results of the 3 Hz repetitive nerve stimulation test in myasthenia gravis patients, with a significance of p = 0.002. Conclusion Nerve conduction studies should be performed in patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders to aid in differential diagnosis and definitive diagnosis of myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Minh Van Le
- Minh Van Le, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 179 Nguyen Van Cu Street, 900000 Can Tho, Vietnam.
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29
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Meisel A, Saccà F, Spillane J, Vissing J. Expert consensus recommendations for improving and standardising the assessment of patients with generalised myasthenia gravis. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16280. [PMID: 38523419 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular and consistent disease assessment could provide a clearer picture of burden in generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG) and improve patient care; however, the use of assessment tools in practice lacks standardisation. This modified Delphi approach was taken to review current evidence on assessment tool use in gMG and develop expert-derived consensus recommendations for good practice. METHODS A European expert panel of 15 experienced gMG neurologists contributed to development of this consensus, four of whom formed a lead Sub-committee. The PICO (Population, Intervention, Control, Outcomes) framework was used to define six clinical questions on gMG assessment tools, a systematic literature review was conducted, and evidence-based statements were developed. According to a modified Delphi voting process, consensus was reached when ≥70% of the experts rated agreement with a statement as ≥8 on a scale of 1-10. RESULTS Eighteen expert- and evidence-based consensus statements based on six themes were developed. Key recommendations include: consistent use of the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living score (MG-ADL) across clinical settings, followed by a simple question (e.g., Patient Acceptable Symptom State [PASS]) or scale to determine patient satisfaction in clinical practice; use of a Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis [QMG] or quality of life [QoL] assessment when the MG-ADL indicates disease worsening; and consideration of symptom state to determine the timing and frequency of recommended assessments. Expert panel consensus was reached on all 18 statements after two voting rounds. CONCLUSIONS This process provided evidence- and expert consensus-based recommendations for the use of objective and subjective assessment tools across gMG research and care to improve management and outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesco Saccà
- GENESIS Department, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Jennifer Spillane
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hutchinson A, Eskens D, Chan A, Bhargava A, Bycroft R. Managing suspected myasthenia gravis and myositis induced by pembrolizumab in a Jehovah's Witness sarcoma patient. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024:10781552241240734. [PMID: 38523425 DOI: 10.1177/10781552241240734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause a spectrum of adverse events known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that resemble autoimmune responses. Immune-mediated myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare and serious neurologic adverse event that has been associated with ICIs requiring prompt treatment. In the Jehovah's Witness population, typical management of these adverse events may not be options, and alternative treatment choices would be needed. CASE REPORT 73-year-old Jehovah's Witness patient with high-grade undifferentiated pleiomorphic sarcoma who developed immune-mediated MG approximately 4 weeks after initiation of pembrolizumab. On the day of admission, the patient presented with a three-day history of worsening ptosis, right greater than left. He was later found to be seronegative for MG. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME The patient required therapy with pyridostigmine, steroids, and agreed to plasma exchange (PLEX) prior to discharge. He achieved near resolution of his neurologic symptoms, and pembrolizumab was discontinued. He later underwent radical resection of the left thigh soft tissue sarcoma and superficial inguinal lymph node dissection. He is now on active surveillance. DISCUSSION While neurologic adverse events typically present 6 weeks after initiation of ICIs, MG has been reported occurring as early as 4 weeks after initiation. This rare and serious adverse event requires prompt treatment, and clinicians need to be aware of the alternative treatment options in this unique patient population. Early conversations regarding blood products and factions must be had to develop a treatment plan in accordance with the patient's personal decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle Eskens
- Department of Pharmacy, UofL Health, UofL Hospital, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Abigail Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, UofL Health, UofL Hospital, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Anika Bhargava
- Department of Pharmacy, UofL Health, UofL Hospital, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ryan Bycroft
- Department of Pharmacy, UofL Health, UofL Hospital, Louisville, KY, USA
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Dziadkowiak E, Baczyńska D, Waliszewska-Prosół M. MuSK Myasthenia Gravis-Potential Pathomechanisms and Treatment Directed against Specific Targets. Cells 2024; 13:556. [PMID: 38534400 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease in which autoantibodies target structures within the neuromuscular junction, affecting neuromuscular transmission. Muscle-specific tyrosine kinase receptor-associated MG (MuSK-MG) is a rare, often more severe, subtype of the disease with different pathogenesis and specific clinical features. It is characterized by a more severe clinical course, more frequent complications, and often inadequate response to treatment. Here, we review the current state of knowledge about potential pathomechanisms of the MuSK-MG and their therapeutic implications as well as ongoing research in this field, with reference to key points of immune-mediated processes involved in the background of myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Dziadkowiak
- Department of Neurology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Baczyńska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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32
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Theissen L, Schroeter CB, Huntemann N, Räuber S, Dobelmann V, Cengiz D, Herrmann A, Koch-Hölsken K, Gerdes N, Hu H, Mourikis P, Polzin A, Kelm M, Hartung HP, Meuth SG, Nelke C, Ruck T. Recombinant Acetylcholine Receptor Immunization Induces a Robust Model of Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in Mice. Cells 2024; 13:508. [PMID: 38534352 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypical autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The study of the underlying pathophysiology has provided novel insights into the interplay of autoantibodies and complement-mediated tissue damage. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) emerged as a valuable animal model, designed to gain further insight and to test novel therapeutic approaches for MG. However, the availability of native acetylcholine receptor (AChR) protein is limited favouring the use of recombinant proteins. To provide a simplified platform for the study of MG, we established a model of EAMG using a recombinant protein containing the immunogenic sequence of AChR in mice. This model recapitulates key features of EAMG, including fatigable muscle weakness, the presence of anti-AChR-antibodies, and engagement of the NMJ by complement and a reduced NMJ density. Further characterization of this model demonstrated a prominent B cell immunopathology supported by T follicular helper cells. Taken together, the herein-presented EAMG model may be a valuable tool for the study of MG pathophysiology and the pre-clinical testing of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Theissen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina B Schroeter
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Niklas Huntemann
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Saskia Räuber
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Dobelmann
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Derya Cengiz
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Herrmann
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Kathrin Koch-Hölsken
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Norbert Gerdes
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonolgy and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonolgy and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Mourikis
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonolgy and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Amin Polzin
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonolgy and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Malte Kelm
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonolgy and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sidney, Sidney NSW 2050, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University Olomouc, 77146 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christopher Nelke
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
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Adámková V, Vitásková M, Hubáček JA. Case Report: Neurological adverse events in subject with myasthenia gravis after PCSK9 inhibitor administration. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1343775. [PMID: 38532873 PMCID: PMC10963502 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1343775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis is a rare chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder mainly caused by autoantibodies to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Cholesterol is an essential molecule that affects the distribution and proper functioning of this receptor. Several reports have described the potential worsening of myasthenia gravis in patients treated with statins. Case presentation The patient was an obese 72 years old man, past smoker, diagnosed with ischaemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and lipid metabolism disorder. Statin treatment was not implemented because of chronic myasthenia gravis and PCSK9i monotherapy [Repatha (evolucamab), 140 mg] was implemented to treat dyslipidaemia. Within 24 h after the first dose of PCSK9i the patient developed severe muscle weakness, joint pain, fever, and general discomfort, lasting for several days. Despite strong advice against the second dose administration, this was self-administered approximately 2 weeks later, leading to report significant worsening of the muscle problems, leading to the patient admittion to the neurology department where he was being treated for myasthenia gravis attack. Conclusion Based on the neurologist's conclusion, it can be assumed that in this case, treatment with PCSK9i resulted in significant worsening of the patient's chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Věra Adámková
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Nephrology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martina Vitásková
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jaroslav A. Hubáček
- Experimental Medicine Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Mangioris G, Halfdanarson TR, Lennon VA, Chang BK, Dubey D, Dyck PJB, Flanagan EP, McKeon A, Mills JR, Pittock SJ, Zekeridou A. Neurological autoimmunity in patients with non-pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms: clinical manifestations and neural autoantibody profiles. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16273. [PMID: 38466015 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Paraneoplastic neurological autoimmunity is well described with small-cell lung cancer, but information is limited for other neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). METHODS Adult patients with histopathologically confirmed non-pulmonary NENs, neurological autoimmunity within 5 years of NEN diagnosis, and neural antibody testing performed at the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory (January 2008 to March 2023) were retrospectively identified. Control sera were available from patients with NENs without neurological autoimmunity (116). RESULTS Thirty-four patients were identified (median age 68 years, range 31-87). The most common primary tumor sites were pancreas (nine), skin (Merkel cell, eight), small bowel/duodenum (seven), and unknown (seven). Five patients received immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy before symptom onset; symptoms preceded cancer diagnosis in 62.1% of non-ICI-treated patients. The most frequent neurological phenotypes (non-ICI-treated) were movement disorders (12; cerebellar ataxia in 10), dysautonomia (six), peripheral neuropathy (eight), encephalitis (four), and neuromuscular junction disorders (four). Neural antibodies were detected in 55.9% of patients studied (most common specificities: P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channel [seven], muscle-type acetylcholine receptor [three], anti-neuronal nuclear antibody type 1 [three], and neuronal intermediate filaments [two]), but in only 6.9% of controls. Amongst patients receiving cancer or immunosuppressive therapy, 51.6% had partial or complete recovery. Outcomes were unfavorable in 48.3% (non-ICI-treated) and neural autoantibody positivity was associated with poor neurological outcome. DISCUSSION Neurological autoimmunity associated with non-pulmonary NENs is often multifocal and can be treatment responsive, underscoring the importance of rapid recognition and early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Mangioris
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Vanda A Lennon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bryce K Chang
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Divyanshu Dubey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - P James B Dyck
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Eoin P Flanagan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrew McKeon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - John R Mills
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sean J Pittock
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anastasia Zekeridou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Moura J, Fernandes J, Lima MJ, Sousa AP, Samões R, Martins Silva A, Santos E. Treatment strategies and treatment-related adverse events in MG according to the age of onset. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1277420. [PMID: 38529037 PMCID: PMC10961456 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1277420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early-onset (EOMG) and late-onset (LOMG) are distinct groups of MG patients. It is unclear if treatment strategies and treatment-related adverse events may differ according to the age of MG onset. Methods This single-center retrospective study includes all MG patients followed at a tertiary center since 2007. We reviewed the electronic clinical records. Results In total, 212 patients were identified, 142 (67.0%) females, with a median disease duration of 10 years. The median age of symptom onset was 42.0 (26.0-64.5) years, with 130 (61.3%) EOMG cases and 82 (38.7%) LOMG. EOMG were more frequently female, had longer disease duration and often more generalized MG (p < 0.001). Comorbidities were significantly more frequent in LOMG (67.1%) compared to EOMG (53.1%) (p = 0.002). Steroid-related adverse effects motivating the switch to steroid-sparing agents (82.0%) were different between groups, with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and malignancies being more common in LOMG. At the same time, osteoporosis and dyspepsia were more frequent in EOMG (p < 0.001). The most common first-line choice was azathioprine (45.8%), and rituximab was used in 4 patients (1.9%). Conclusion Our study shows that treatment modalities are similar between EOMG and LOMG, while steroid-related adverse events appear to be distinct.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Moura
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Fernandes
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Lima
- Department of Neurology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Sousa
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Samões
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Martins Silva
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ernestina Santos
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Sulaiman GM, Jabir MS, Mohammed HA, Al-Gareeb AI, Albukhaty S, Klionsky DJ, Abomughaid MM. Defective autophagy and autophagy activators in myasthenia gravis: a rare entity and unusual scenario. Autophagy 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38346408 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2315893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) that results from autoantibodies against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) at NMJs. These autoantibodies are mainly originated from autoreactive B cells that bind and destroy nAchRs at NMJs preventing nerve impulses from activating the end-plates of skeletal muscle. Indeed, immune dysregulation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MG. Autoreactive B cells are increased in MG due to the defect in the central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms. As well, autoreactive T cells are augmented in MG due to the diversion of regulatory T (Treg) cells or a defect in thymic anergy leading to T cell-mediated autoimmunity. Furthermore, macroautophagy/autophagy, which is a conserved cellular catabolic process, plays a critical role in autoimmune diseases by regulating antigen presentation, survival of immune cells and cytokine-mediated inflammation. Abnormal autophagic flux is associated with different autoimmune disorders. Autophagy regulates the connection between innate and adaptive immune responses by controlling the production of cytokines and survival of Tregs. As autophagy is involved in autoimmune disorders, it may play a major role in the pathogenesis of MG. Therefore, this mini-review demonstrates the potential role of autophagy and autophagy activators in MG.Abbreviations: Ach, acetylcholine; Breg, regulatory B; IgG, immunoglobulin G; MG, myasthenia gravis; NMJ, neuromuscular junction; ROS, reactive oxygen species; Treg, regulatory T; Ubl, ubiquitin-like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Majid S Jabir
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hamdoon A Mohammed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Salim Albukhaty
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Misan, Maysan, Iraq
| | | | - Mosleh M Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
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Huang X, An X, Gao X, Wang N, Liu J, Zhang Y, Qi G, Zhang C. Serum amyloid A facilitates expansion of CD4 + T cell and CD19 + B cell subsets implicated in the severity of myasthenia gravis patients. J Neurochem 2024; 168:224-237. [PMID: 38214332 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a clinically useful inflammatory marker involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to explore the SAA levels in a cohort of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) in relation to disease-related clinical parameters and myasthenic crisis (MC) and elucidate the effects of SAA on immune response. A total of 82 MG patients including 50 new-onset MG patients and 32 MC patients were enrolled in this study. Baseline data and laboratory parameters of all enrolled MG patients were routinely recorded through electronic medical systems. SAA levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. CD4+ T and CD19+ B cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. In vitro, human recombinant SAA (Apo-SAA) was applied to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MG patients to observe the effect on T and B cell differentiation. Our results indicated that SAA levels in new-onset MG patients were higher than those in controls and were positively correlated with QMG score, MGFA classification, plasmablast cells, IL-6, and IL-17 levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that SAA levels were increased in generalized MG (GMG) patients than in ocular MG (OMG), as well as elevated in late-onset MG (LOMG) than in early-onset MG (EOMG) and higher in MGFA III/IV compared with MGFA I/II. The ROC curve demonstrated that SAA showed good diagnostic value for MC, especially when combined with NLR. In vitro, Apo-SAA promoted the Th1 cells, Th17 cells, plasmablast cells, and plasma cells differentiation in MG PBMCs. The present findings suggested that SAA was increased in MG patients and promoted expansion of CD4+ T cell and CD19+ B cell subsets, which implicated in the severity of MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueting An
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ningning Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoyan Qi
- Center of Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis Hebei Province, First Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Anabusi S, Izenberg A, Barnett C, Berndl A. Pregnancy planning may impact maternal and neonatal outcomes in people with myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:318-324. [PMID: 38156425 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune condition commonly diagnosed in young people of reproductive age resulting in neuromuscular junction dysfunction. The course of MG during pregnancy and its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes is vary in the literature. Pregnancy planning is a known strategy and modifiable risk factor in obstetric practice to decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity. We aim to assess if planning a pregnancy impacts maternal and neonatal outcomes, MG exacerbation, and pregnancy-related complications. METHODS This study utilized data from an online, North American survey entitled "A Patient Centered study on Pregnancy in People with Myasthenia Gravis", distributed with the assistance of MG advocacy groups in the United States and Canada. It included individuals with MG who had at least one pregnancy in the last 10-years. Key maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between planned and unplanned pregnancies. RESULTS Out of 156 survey participants, 58 had a pregnancy following MG diagnosis, totaling 90 reported pregnancies. Of these, 56 (62.2%) were planned and 34 (37.8%) were unplanned pregnancies. The unplanned pregnancies were associated with more MG exacerbations, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admission (37.7% vs. 13.7%, 26.5% vs. 11%, and 17.6% vs. 8.9%, respectively, p ≤ .05). The neonatal outcomes did not significantly differ between the groups. DISCUSSION Planned pregnancies in people with MG may be associated with a reduced gestational and post-partum risk of MG exacerbation, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. Larger studies are required to confirm this association and account for potential contributing variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saja Anabusi
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron Izenberg
- Department of Neurology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carolina Barnett
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Berndl
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Uysal SP, Morren JA. Promising therapies for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:395-408. [PMID: 38523508 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2332610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition targeting the neuromuscular junction, which manifests with neuromuscular symptoms of varying severity and significant morbidity. The mainstay of treatment in MG is mitigation of the immune cascade with steroids and non-steroidal immunosuppressive therapies. The therapeutic strategies in MG are transitioning from broad and indiscriminate immunosuppression to novel agents targeting key steps in MG pathogenesis, including T cell activation, B cell proliferation, complement activation, maintenance of pathogenic antibody production, and proinflammatory cytokine production. AREAS COVERED In this review, an overview of the pathogenesis of MG and traditional MG therapies is presented, followed by a discussion of the novel MG drugs that have been evaluated in phase 3 clinical trials with an emphasis on those which have received regulatory approval. EXPERT OPINION Novel MG therapeutics belonging to the classes of complement inhibitors, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibitors and B cell depletors, as well as the other emerging MG drugs in the pipeline constitute promising treatment strategies with potentially better efficacy and safety compared to the conventional MG treatments. However, further long-term research is needed in order to optimize the implementation of these new treatment options for the appropriate patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanem Pinar Uysal
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John A Morren
- Neuromuscular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Sasidharan Pillai S, Millington K. Co-existence of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. AACE Clin Case Rep 2024; 10:52-54. [PMID: 38523857 PMCID: PMC10958633 DOI: 10.1016/j.aace.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are autoimmune conditions that rarely co-occur. Here, we report a child with MG who subsequently developed T1D. Case report An 11-year-old girl with seropositive MG diagnosed at 4 years of age presented with muscle pain, cramps, and weight loss of 3.5 kg over 4 months. Her MG was in remission on daily pyridostigmine. She denied polyuria, polydipsia, recent illnesses, or other medications. She was prepubertal and had stable vitals with normal systemic examination. Initial work up for a probable diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis showed hyperglycemia and glucosuria. She had ketosis without acidosis. Diabetes autoantibodies were positive (anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody 113.5 IU/mL (reference range < 5 IU/mL), anti-zinc transporter 8 antibody > 500 U/mL (reference range < 15 IU/mL)). Screening for autoimmune thyroid disease and celiac disease was negative. Patient was diagnosed with T1D and was started on subcutaneous insulin. Discussion The co-existence of MG and T1D is rare. All the 4 prior reported patients from Europe were diagnosed with T1D prior to or concurrently with MG. In contrast, our patient was first diagnosed with MG and subsequently diagnosed with T1D 7 years later. Conclusions Consider screening for T1D in patients with MG and offering treatment to those above 8 years and older with stage 2 T1D to delay its onset. Along with other causes, T1D should also be considered when patients with MG present with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabitha Sasidharan Pillai
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children’s Hospital
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kate Millington
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children’s Hospital
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Zadeh S, Price H, Drews R, Bouffard MA, Young LH, Narayanaswami P. Novel uses of complement inhibitors in myasthenia gravis-Two case reports. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:368-372. [PMID: 38205840 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, life-threatening immune-related adverse effect (irAE) of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. C5-complement inhibitors are effective treatments for acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR ab) positive generalized MG. We describe the use of eculizumab/ravulizumab in two patients with MG receiving concomitant pembrolizumab. METHODS This was a retrospective review of two medical records. RESULTS Patient 1: An 80-year-old male with recurrent, non-muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder developed ICI-induced AChR ab positive MG (ICI-MG), myositis, and myocarditis 2 weeks after the first dose of pembrolizumab. Myositis responded to corticosteroids. MG responded to eculizumab, followed by ravulizumab. He died of metastatic cancer 8 months later. Patient 2: A 58-year-old male had refractory thymoma-associated AChR ab-positive MG, which responded to eculizumab. He developed metastatic Merkel cell cancer necessitating pembrolizumab. MG remained stable on eculizumab. He had no irAEs for 22 months, with positron emission tomographic resolution of cancer. He then developed mild, indolent retinal vasculitis, which responded to prednisone. Discontinuation of pembrolizumab for 5 months resulted in cancer recurrence; pembrolizumab was resumed with peri-infusion pulse prednisone. MG remained stable and he continues eculizumab. DISCUSSION In the first patient, eculizumab, followed by ravulizumab, improved ICI-MG. In the second patient, eculizumab treatment may have had a prophylactic effect on the development of ICI-induced irAEs. The effect of complement inhibition on cancer outcomes of ICI therapy is unknown. A possible biologic basis for complement inhibitors in reducing irAEs of ICI, especially in the presence of underlying autoimmune disease, merits evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Zadeh
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hayley Price
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Reed Drews
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marc A Bouffard
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lucy H Young
- Retina Services, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pushpa Narayanaswami
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lu L, Ma Y, Cong Y, Zhou B, Chen Y, Niu J, He Y, Cao W, Li T. Comorbidity of Myasthenia gravis and Graves' disease as immune reconstitution-associated autoimmune disease in HIV infection: A case report and literature review. HIV Med 2024; 25:398-403. [PMID: 37990629 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comorbidity of Myasthenia gravis (MG) and Graves' disease (GD) in treated HIV-infected individuals has rarely been described and little study has been done on the link between HIV-related immune reconstitution and autoimmune diseases occurring post antiretroviral therapy. CASE PRESENTATION Here we report on a 33-year-old Chinese man with HIV infection who had been virologically suppressed since 2018. The patient was diagnosed with GD and was treated in 2020. Early in 2022, he developed fluctuating weakness and fatigue involving the bilateral extraocular muscles and limbs. With a positive neostigmine test, he was considered to have MG, but showed a poor response to oral medication. After multiple failed medication attempts, a thymectomy was finally performed to resolve his symptoms. The consecutive onset of immunological events may have partially resulted from immune reconstitution after viral control. CONCLUSIONS This is a rare case of HIV-related immune reconstitution-associated autoimmune disease (IRAD) with comorbidity of MG and GD which was reported initially. Cooperation with multidisciplinary teams is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and to promote the overall health of HIV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianfeng Lu
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Ma
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Cong
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baotong Zhou
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yeye Chen
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Niu
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen: Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Taisheng Li
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Tanveer S, Tahir A, Ahmad O, Bibi K, Khan S. Ocular Myasthenia Gravis As Unilateral Ptosis and External Ophthalmoplegia: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e56337. [PMID: 38633942 PMCID: PMC11021849 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by fluctuating weakness and fatigue in ocular, bulbar, limb, or respiratory muscles. Initially, more than half of MG patients experience isolated ocular symptoms, such as ptosis, diplopia, or muscle paresis. This case report presents a unique occurrence of MG in a four-year-old female, showcasing a two-year history of sudden onset, persistent yet fluctuating unilateral ptosis accompanied by exo-deviation and adduction deficit in the right eye. No diplopia or systemic features were observed. Positive findings in tests, including the ice pack test, Cogan twitch sign, fatiguability, and neostigmine test, indicated ocular myasthenia. Electromyography revealed a decremental response, while anti-acetylcholine antibodies showed borderline results. Computed tomography of the brain ruled out central causes, and routine laboratory testing yielded normal results. Treatment with pyridostigmine and corticosteroids led to significant improvement in symptoms. This case emphasizes the diverse presentation of MG in ophthalmology, with ocular signs serving as indicators in approximately half of the cases. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for enhancing long-term prognosis. Emergency physicians should consider MG as a potential cause for unilateral ocular symptoms after excluding central causes. Accurate diagnosis and comprehensive management of MG are complex yet essential for ensuring optimal patient health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafiq Tanveer
- Ophthalmology, Khyber Medical College/Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Asna Tahir
- Ophthalmology, Khyber Medical College/Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Obaid Ahmad
- Ophthalmology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Kainat Bibi
- Internal Medicine, Ayub Teaching Hospital Complex, Abbottabad, PAK
| | - Samreen Khan
- Pediatrics, Khyber Medical College/Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, PAK
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Keene KR, Bongers J, de Meel RHP, Venhovens J, Verschuuren JJGM, Tannemaat MR. Test-Retest Reliability of Repetitive Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Myasthenia Gravis Patients and Healthy Control Subjects. J Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 41:265-270. [PMID: 36413652 PMCID: PMC10898539 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Repetitive ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (ROVEMP) are a novel diagnostic test to quantify neuromuscular transmission deficits in extraocular muscles in myasthenia gravis. We aimed to investigate the test-retest reliability of the ROVEMP and the effect of amplitude and age. METHODS We performed the ROVEMP test twice in 19 patients with myasthenia gravis (52.7 ± 19.8 years) and in 15 healthy control subjects (46.5 ± 16 years). The Bland-Altman level of agreement was determined. The relationship between test-retest reliability and signal quality, participant age and signal amplitude was studied. RESULTS Limits of agreement were from -179.9 to 139.3 in myasthenia gravis patients and from -56.9 to 89.5 in healthy control subjects. Difference between measurements correlated with signal amplitude ( r = -0.50, P < 0.001). Combining the primary cohort with previously published data from 114 subjects, we found a significant negative correlation between age and reference amplitude ( r = -0.163, P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that in our hands, the test-retest reliability of the ROVEMP is not optimal. Measurements with higher reference amplitude had a better quality, higher reproducibility, and increased diagnostic yield. We caution against the use of ROVEMP measurements of lower amplitude in clinical practice. In addition, given the correlation between age and amplitude, age matching of healthy control subjects and patients is essential in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Keene
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Julia Bongers
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Robert H. P. de Meel
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Jeroen Venhovens
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J. G. M. Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Martijn R. Tannemaat
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
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Sancho J, Ferrer S, Quezada A, Gimenez E, Signes-Costa J. Home Noninvasive Ventilation in Myasthenia Gravis. Respir Care 2024; 69:333-338. [PMID: 37935525 PMCID: PMC10984589 DOI: 10.4187/respcare.11308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) plays an important role in avoiding endotracheal intubation during myasthenic crisis, yet there are few published data concerning long-term home NIV in stable out-patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of NIV in a cohort of subjects with stable MG and to analyze contributing factors that could predict the need of NIV. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study that included subjects diagnosed with MG managed in the respiratory care unit over the previous year. Subjects underwent clinical analysis including demographic, clinical, and functional respiratory data. RESULTS Of the 50 subjects included, 35 (70%) were positive for nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibodies, and 68% had a diagnosis of generalized MG. Bulbar symptoms developed in 16 (32%), and 10 (20%) subjects needed long-term home NIV. The only variable predicting the need for long-term NIV was MG severity measured with Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), mainly grades IIB (odds ratio 0.14 [95% CI 0.02-0.85], P = .03) and IIIB (odds ratio 0.02 [95% CI 0.01-0.34], P = .01). CONCLUSIONS Home NIV was needed in a substantial percentage of medically stable subjects with MG, mainly in those with generalized type and with oropharyngeal and/or respiratory muscle involvement (MGFA grades IIB and IIIB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Sancho
- Drs Sancho, Ferrer, Quezada, and Gimenez are affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; and Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain. Dr signes-costa is affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; and University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Santos Ferrer
- Drs Sancho, Ferrer, Quezada, and Gimenez are affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; and Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain. Dr signes-costa is affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; and University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Quezada
- Drs Sancho, Ferrer, Quezada, and Gimenez are affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; and Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain. Dr signes-costa is affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; and University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elia Gimenez
- Drs Sancho, Ferrer, Quezada, and Gimenez are affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; and Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain. Dr signes-costa is affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; and University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaime Signes-Costa
- Drs Sancho, Ferrer, Quezada, and Gimenez are affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; and Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain. Dr signes-costa is affiliated with Respiratory Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain; Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; and University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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46
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Mehnert A, Bershan S, Kollmus-Heege J, Gerischer L, Herdick ML, Hoffmann S, Lehnerer S, Scheibe F, Stascheit F, Stein M, Buchan AM, Meisel A, Aigner A, Mergenthaler P. Identifying patients at risk for myasthenic crisis with hemogram and inflammation-related laboratory parameters - a pilot study. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1297997. [PMID: 38469587 PMCID: PMC10925644 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1297997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by fatigable weakness of the voluntary muscles and can exacerbate to life-threatening myasthenic crisis (MC), requiring intensive care treatment. Routine laboratory parameters are a cost-effective and widely available method for estimating the clinical outcomes of several diseases, but so far, such parameters have not been established to detect disease progression in MG. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of selected laboratory parameters related to inflammation and hemogram for MG patients with MC compared to MG patients without MC. To identify potential risk factors for MC, we applied time-varying Cox regression for time to MC and, as a sensitivity analysis, generalized estimating equations logistic regression for the occurrence of MC at the next patient visit. Results 15 of the 58 examined MG patients suffered at least one MC. There was no notable difference in the occurrence of MC by antibody status or sex. Both regression models showed that higher counts of basophils (per 0.01 unit increase: HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.02-1.70), neutrophils (per 1 unit increase: HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.14-1.72), potentially leukocytes (per 1 unit increase: HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.99-1.34), and platelets (per 100 units increase: HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.99-2.38) may indicate increased risk for a myasthenic crisis. Conclusion This pilot study provides proof of the concept that increased counts of basophils, neutrophils, leukocytes, and platelets may be associated with a higher risk of developing MC in patients with MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mehnert
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sivan Bershan
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jil Kollmus-Heege
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lea Gerischer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meret Luise Herdick
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Hoffmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophie Lehnerer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Digital Health Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Scheibe
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frauke Stascheit
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maike Stein
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alastair M. Buchan
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Aigner
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mergenthaler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Kuroda Y, Watanabe G, Satou K, Ono H, Tsukita K, Suzuki Y. [Eculizumab led to beneficial clinical course in a patient with generalized myasthenia gravis who developed COVID 19-associated pneumonia]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2024; 64:109-112. [PMID: 38281749 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
A 74-year-old woman developed myasthenia gravis (MG) at the age of 32. She had a thymoma removed the following year, but her MG symptoms did not stabilize, and she required frequent hospitalization for fast-acting treatment (FT). She started eculizumab in March of two years ago and was followed up on an outpatient basis as her MG symptoms became milder. In February of this year, she was admitted to our hospital due to mild COVID-19-associated pneumonia with general malaise and fever. Her COVID-19-associated pneumonia was treated with intravenous sotrovimab, dexamethasone, and unfractionated heparin, and oral therapy for MG stayed the same. Eculizumab was not administered during hospitalization due to the combination of stable MG symptoms and the fact that the drug is not paid for by the Japanese insurance system. The patient's MG and COVID-19-associated pneumonia were not severe during hospitalization. However, the risk of myasthenic crisis and death is high when patients with MG develop COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Several reports suggest that the condition of patients with eculizumab-treated MG who develop COVID-19-associated pneumonia is not severe, and that that inhibition of the complement pathway with eculizumab is effective for COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Complement deposition in organ microvessels has been observed in patients with COVID-19, which suggests that complement overload may be a risk factor for COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Excessive complement activation may be involved in the pathogenesis; thus, eculizumab may function by inhibiting this pathway. In this case, eculizumab was discontinued while the patient had COVID-19-associated pneumonia, however, CH50, which is an indicator of complement, was suppressed during hospitalization due to the COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Therefore, eculizumab may have interfered with this course of events. This case demonstrates that eculizumab may be safe for and tolerated by patients with MG and COVID-19-associated pneumonia, but more cases need to be accumulated to support this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kuroda
- Department of neurology, NHO Sendai Medical Center
- Department of neurology, Tohoku University Hospital
| | | | - Kazuki Satou
- Department of neurology, Tohoku University Hospital
| | - Hirohiko Ono
- Department of neurology, Tohoku University Hospital
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Lindroos JLV, Bjørk MH, Gilhus NE. Transient Neonatal Myasthenia Gravis as a Common Complication of a Rare Disease: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1136. [PMID: 38398450 PMCID: PMC10889526 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease. Transient neonatal myasthenia gravis (TNMG) is caused by pathogenic maternal autoantibodies that cross the placenta and disrupt signaling at the neuromuscular junction. This is a systematic review of this transient immunoglobulin G (IgG)-mediated disease. TNMG affects 10-20% of children born to mothers with MG. The severity of symptoms ranges from minor feeding difficulties to life-threatening respiratory weakness. Minor symptoms might go unnoticed but can still interfere with breastfeeding. Acetylcholine-esterase inhibitors and antibody-clearing therapies such as immunoglobulins can be used to treat TNMG, but most children do well with observation only. TNMG is self-limiting within weeks as circulating antibodies are naturally cleared from the blood. In rare cases, TNMG is associated with permanent skeletal malformations or permanent myopathy. The mother's antibodies can also lead to spontaneous abortions. All healthcare professionals meeting pregnant or birthing women with MG or their neonates should be aware of TNMG. TNMG is hard to predict. Reoccurrence is common among siblings. Pre-pregnancy thymectomy and intravenous immunoglobulins during pregnancy reduce the risk. Neonatal fragment crystallizable receptor (FcRn) blocking drugs for MG might reduce TNMG risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Linnea Victoria Lindroos
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (J.L.V.L.); (M.-H.B.)
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5053 Bergen, Norway
| | - Marte-Helene Bjørk
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (J.L.V.L.); (M.-H.B.)
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5053 Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (J.L.V.L.); (M.-H.B.)
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5053 Bergen, Norway
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Ye Y, Murdock DJ, Chen C, Liedtke W, Knox CA. Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the United States. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1339167. [PMID: 38434198 PMCID: PMC10907989 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1339167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Global studies of epidemiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) have pointed to increasing prevalence of this rare autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular synapse; however, no new data for the USA were available for decades. We aimed to estimate the incidence rate and prevalence of MG in a large-scale insured US population. Methods We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study to estimate the annual incidence and prevalence of MG cases in the USA during 2017. Using a previously validated algorithm, we identified cases of MG in two Truven Health MarketScan databases, which during 2017 included a sample of approximately 20 million commercially insured and Medicare recipients, plus 10 million Medicaid recipients. We report crude incidence and prevalence and calculated age-and sex-standardized estimates for the USA based on the 2017 American Community Survey. We estimated the number of adult cases during 2021 by extrapolating from the stratified estimates to the population size from the 2021 American Community Survey. Results From the US commercially/Medicare-insured cohort, we calculated an age-and sex-standardized incidence of 68.5 new cases per million person-years with an adjusted prevalence of 316.4 per million. Within the Medicaid-insured population, similar yet slightly lower numbers emerged: the adjusted incidence was 49.7 new cases per million person-years, and the adjusted prevalence rate was 203.7 cases per million. Given our results, we were able to estimate that there were approximately 82,715 US adults living with MG in 2021 (or an estimated 320.2 cases per million adults in the USA). We observed a strong effect of age and sex when stratifying the identified incidence rate and prevalence, with a pattern of female preponderance among the younger age brackets, a male preponderance for older cases in the commercially/Medicare-insured cohort, and the disease incidence and prevalence steadily increasing with age. Discussion Our updated US population-based estimates of MG epidemiology demonstrate an increase in the previously reported incidence and prevalence from over 20 years ago, in keeping with developments in westernized, industrialized countries. Notable findings of steadily increasing prevalence with age, driven by robust increases in elderly males, prompts questions for basic-translational research, therapeutics, and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ye
- The Division of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Chao Chen
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, United States
| | | | - Caitlin A. Knox
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, United States
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50
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Song X, He Y, Huo Y, Jiang H, Yu Y, Sun Y, Liu Z, Zhang Z. Normalized circulating Tfh and Th17 associates with improvement in myasthenia gravis treated with ofatumumab. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1280029. [PMID: 38415260 PMCID: PMC10898244 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1280029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the effect of B cell depletion therapy (BCDT) on circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) and circulating T helper 17 (cTh17) cells and its relation to clinical improvement in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods 28 anti-AchR positive MG patients treated with ofatumumab and 28 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Frequencies of cTfh and cTh17 cells were monitored by flow cytometry at baseline and 4, and 12 weeks after the initial dose ofatumumab. Serum cytokines associated with cTfh and cTh17, including IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17, were also analyzed. Results The frequency of cTfh and cTh17 significantly increased in MG patients compared with HCs. Additionally, elevated levels of both T-cell subsets correlated with MG severity. During the follow-up, cTfh and cTh17 return to normal after BCDT. Furthermore, the decrease in cTfh and cTh17 was associated with MG scores improvement over time. Notably, cTfh- and cTh17-related cytokines, including IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17, exhibited a marked decrease following ofatumumab therapy. Conclusions Abnormal expansion of cTfh and cTh17 cells may be key features in the immunopathology of MG. Their levels returned to normal after BCDT, which was closely correlated with clinical amelioration. This result suggests that these two T-cell subsets may be targets for BCDT treatment of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Song
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Huo
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zunjing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoxu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
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