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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] [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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Kumar L, Kachhadia MP, Kaur J, Patel H, Noor K, Gohel RG, Kaur P, Raiyani S, Gohel VA, Vasavada AM. Choices and Challenges With Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e42772. [PMID: 37663985 PMCID: PMC10469352 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting young women in their second and third decades, coinciding with their reproductive years. We aim to explore the choices and challenges in the treatment of MG in pregnancy. Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase were the four databases systematically searched for studies with patients reporting pregnancy outcomes for women with MG during pregnancy using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) technique. Quality assessment was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical tool (JBI, Adelaide, Australia) for methodological quality. From 2000 to 2023, 40 studies from database search results were considered. There is a substantial risk of complications with MG, especially if it appears during pregnancy. In particular, widespread weakness is a cause of severe, life-threatening disorders, but several treatment options are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshya Kumar
- Internal Medicine, Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay (PDU) Medical College, Rajkot, IND
| | | | - Jashanpreet Kaur
- Internal Medicine, Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College, Kishanganj, IND
| | - Harshkumar Patel
- Internal Medicine, Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay (PDU) Medical College, Rajkot, IND
| | - Khutaija Noor
- Internal Medicine, Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, IND
| | - Rushi G Gohel
- Internal Medicine, Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay (PDU) Medical College, Rajkot, IND
| | - Paramjeet Kaur
- Internal Medicine, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot, IND
| | - Siddharth Raiyani
- Internal Medicine, Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay (PDU) Medical College, Rajkot, IND
| | - Vatsal A Gohel
- Internal Medicine, Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, KAZ
| | - Advait M Vasavada
- Internal Medicine, M. P. Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, IND
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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3
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Harada Y, Bettin M, Juel VC, Hobson-Webb LD, Raja SM, Sanders DB, Massey JM. Pregnancy in MuSK-positive myasthenia gravis: A single-center case series. Muscle Nerve 2023. [PMID: 37150596 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Myasthenia gravis (MG) with muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies (MMG) is predominantly seen in women of childbearing age. Our objective in this study was to describe the course of MMG during pregnancy and within 6 months postpartum, and to document any effect on fetal health. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of medical records of patients with MMG seen in the Duke Myasthenia Gravis Clinic from 2003 to 2022. MMG patients with onset of MMG symptoms before or during pregnancy as well as within 6 months postpartum were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 14 pregnancies in 10 patients were included in our study cohort. Initial MG symptoms developed during pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum in six patients. Four patients had two pregnancies, three of whom developed MG during their first pregnancy. In the patients diagnosed before pregnancy, MG symptoms increased in five of eight patients during pregnancy or postpartum. Four patients required rescue therapy with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin during pregnancy or postpartum. One patient had a cesarean section after prolonged labor due to failure of progression. There were no other complications of pregnancy or delivery, and all infants were healthy at delivery. DISCUSSION As in non-MuSK MG, women with MMG may also have worsening or may develop initial MG symptoms during pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum. More aggressive medical therapy may be required for pregnant patients with MMG. Further study is needed to identify the mechanism and risk of worsening of MMG during pregnancy or postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Harada
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Margaret Bettin
- Division of Neurology, Centra Neurology, Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Vern C Juel
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa D Hobson-Webb
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shruti M Raja
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donald B Sanders
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Janice M Massey
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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4
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Al-Lahham T, Lacomis D. What is in the Neuromuscular Junction Literature? J Clin Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 23:189-200. [PMID: 35608642 DOI: 10.1097/cnd.0000000000000403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This update covers a number of treatment topics starting with Fc receptor inhibitors and the Federal Drug Administration approval of efgartigimod. Some uncertainties regarding the use of corticosteroids are addressed, namely the risk of exacerbation with initiation of treatment and how to taper. The presence and potential importance of antibody overshoot following plasmapheresis is noted and the evolving increase in usefulness of acetylcholine receptor antibodies in diagnosing ocular myasthenia. Several recent series and case reports regarding coronavirus 2019 and myasthenia gravis are reviewed. The topics of myasthenia gravis and pregnancy, and another look at thymectomy in MG are provided. Finally, a couple of case reports on Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome concentrate on the ice pack test and an autoantibody association with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in the same patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Lacomis
- Departments of Neurology and
- Pathology (Neuropathology), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
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5
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Waters JFR. Neurologic Complications of Obstetric Anesthesia. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2022; 28:162-179. [DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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6
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Ducci RDP, Kay CSK, Fustes OJH, Werneck LC, Lorenzoni PJ, Scola RH. Myasthenia gravis during pregnancy: what care should be taken? ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 79:624-629. [PMID: 34287508 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2020-0407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease in which the peak incidence is among women of childbearing age. For this reason, there is an overlap between the occurrence of this disease and pregnancy. It is known that MG symptoms can worsen during pregnancy and postpartum, and that pregnancy has special characteristics in MG patients. Children born to myasthenic mothers are at risk of having transient neonatal myasthenia. We briefly review the main relationships between MG and pregnancy, and we make recommendations for MG therapy, pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding and newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Dal-Prá Ducci
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Complexo Hospital de Clínicas, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Suemi Kamoi Kay
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Complexo Hospital de Clínicas, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Otto Jesus Hernandez Fustes
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Complexo Hospital de Clínicas, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Lineu Cesar Werneck
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Complexo Hospital de Clínicas, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Paulo José Lorenzoni
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Complexo Hospital de Clínicas, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Rosana Herminia Scola
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Complexo Hospital de Clínicas, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
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Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are a heterogeneous group of motor unit disorders. Common to all is the main clinical symptom of muscle weakness. Depending on entity and phenotype, a broad range of disorders of neuronal, junctional or myocytic structures occurs. In addition to a weakness of the skeletal musculature, NMD can also affect throat musculature, respiratory and heart muscles. The possible consequences are immobility, deformities, tendency to aspiration as well as respiratory and cardiac insufficiency. In the context of surgery and anesthesia, complications that can result from the underlying disease and its interaction with anesthesia must be anticipated and averted. This article describes along the treatment pathway how preoperative evaluation, choice of the anesthetic procedure and postoperative care can be effectively and safely tailored to the needs of patients with NMD. Concise and practical recommendations for carrying out anesthesia for the most important NMDs are presented as well as relevant external sources of practice recommendations.
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8
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Vu T, Harvey B, Suresh N, Farias J, Gooch C. Eculizumab during Pregnancy in a Patient with Treatment-Refractory Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report. Case Rep Neurol 2021; 13:65-72. [PMID: 33708096 PMCID: PMC7923701 DOI: 10.1159/000511957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody eculizumab has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive, treatment-refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). Myasthenia gravis (MG) often affects women of child-bearing potential. However, management can be challenging during pregnancy, and current treatment options are limited due to potential teratogenicity. Data are currently lacking on the use of eculizumab in pregnant women with gMG. This case report describes a successful pregnancy in a young woman with treatment-refractory gMG treated with eculizumab before, during, and after pregnancy. Eculizumab appeared to have a favorable benefit-risk profile in this setting, with no treatment-related adverse effects noted in either the patient or the neonate. The patient remains neurologically stable on eculizumab, which she has now been receiving for 5 years. This first report of the use of eculizumab during pregnancy in a patient with treatment-refractory gMG suggests a potential role for eculizumab in this setting, although further clinical experience is necessary to support its use during pregnancy in women with MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Vu
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Brittany Harvey
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Niraja Suresh
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jerrica Farias
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Clifton Gooch
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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9
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Roche P, Bouhour F. Myasthenia gravis and pregnancy. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 177:215-219. [PMID: 33648779 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterised by fluctuating muscle weakness, which worsens during activity. It affects particularly scapular and pelvic girdles, axial and bulbar muscles. Myasthenia gravis is twice more frequent in women and symptoms often appear in the second and third decade of life. Thus, a growing number of women affected by this condition become pregnant. To minimise the effects of myasthenia gravis on pregnancy and the newborn, and to avoid myasthenia crisis in the post-partum, the pregnancy must be planned as far as possible. During pregnancy, treatment must be reviewed due to the threat of teratogenic effects (mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab), and the follow-up must be multidisciplinary.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Roche
- Service d'électroneuromyographie et pathologies neuromusculaires - Hôpital Pierre-Wertheimer - CHU de Lyon HCL - GH Est, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron cedex, Lyon, France
| | - F Bouhour
- Service d'électroneuromyographie et pathologies neuromusculaires - Hôpital Pierre-Wertheimer - CHU de Lyon HCL - GH Est, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron cedex, Lyon, France.
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10
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Nicholls-Dempsey L, Czuzoj-Shulman N, Abenhaim HA. Maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with myasthenia gravis. J Perinat Med 2020; 48:793-798. [PMID: 32739906 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction marked by weakness and fatiguability of skeletal muscle. MG has an unpredictable course in pregnancy. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of MG on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods Using the United States' Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2015, we conducted a retrospective cohort study consisting of women who delivered during that period. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for baseline maternal demographics and comorbidities, were used to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnancies in women with and without MG. Results During the study period, 974 deliveries were to women diagnosed with MG. Women with MG were more likely to be older, African American, obese, have Medicare insurance and be discharged from an urban teaching hospital. Women with MG were also more likely to have chronic hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic steroid use. Women with MG were at greater risk for acute respiratory failure (OR 13.7, 95% CI 8.9-21.2) and increased length of hospital stay (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9-3.3). No significant difference was observed in the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes, caesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery. Neonates of women with MG were more likely to be premature (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.8). Conclusions MG in pregnancy is a high-risk condition associated with greater risk of maternal respiratory failure and preterm birth. Management in a tertiary care center with obstetrical, neurological, anesthesia and neonatology collaboration is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Nicholls-Dempsey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Czuzoj-Shulman
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Haim Arie Abenhaim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
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11
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Barghouthi T, Lemley R, Figurelle M, Bushnell C. Epidemiology of neurologic disease in pregnancy. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 171:119-141. [PMID: 32736746 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64239-4.00006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many neurologic diseases in women are influenced by the physiologic and hormonal changes of pregnancy, and pregnancy itself poses challenges in both treatment and evaluation of these conditions. Some diseases, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, have a high enough prevalence in the young female population to support robust epidemiologic data while many other neurologic diseases, such as specific myopathies and muscular dystrophies, have a low prevalence, with data limited to case reports and small case series. This chapter features epidemiologic information regarding a breadth of neurologic conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, demyelinating disease, peripheral neuropathies, migraine, sleep-disordered breathing, and meningioma, in women in the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Barghouthi
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Regan Lemley
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Morgan Figurelle
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Cheryl Bushnell
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
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Brussé IA, Kluivers ACM, Zambrano MD, Shetler K, Miller EC. Neuro-obstetrics: A multidisciplinary approach to care of women with neurologic disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 171:143-160. [PMID: 32736747 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64239-4.00007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The term "neuro-obstetrics" refers to a multidisciplinary approach to the care of pregnant women with neurologic comorbidities, both preconceptionally and throughout pregnancy. General preconception care should be offered to all women, including women with neurologic disease. Women with neurologic comorbidities should also be offered specialist preconception care by an obstetrician who consults with a neurologist, anesthesiologist, and if indicated clinical geneticist and/or other specialists. In women with neurologic comorbidities, neurologic sequelae may influence the course of the pregnancy and delivery. Also, pregnancy may influence the severity of the neurologic condition, depending on the type of disease. Physiologic adaptations during pregnancy and altered pharmacokinetics may cause altered blood serum levels of drugs, leading to decreased or increased drug effects. When administering drugs to a woman who wishes to conceive, it is important to consider possible teratogenic effects and possible secretion in breast milk. Tailoring medication regimens should be considered, preferably preconceptionally. In this chapter, we review general principles of neuro-obstetric care, as well as some specific considerations for neurologists, obstetricians, and anesthesiologists caring for pregnant women with common neurologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid A Brussé
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Anna C M Kluivers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria D Zambrano
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kara Shetler
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eliza C Miller
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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13
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Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChR) or other structural proteins of the neuromuscular junction. This diminishes cholinergic transmission, thus leading to exercise-induced fatigue and sometimes manifest muscle weakness, including the bulbar and ocular musculature. Whereas ocular MG is as a rule initially symptomatically treated with acetylcholine esterase inhibitors, generalized MG requires long-term immunosuppression. The thymus plays a particular role in the pathophysiology of AChR antibody-positive MG, which can also manifest as a paraneoplastic disorder in the context of a thymoma. This article reviews the basic and advanced treatment options of the different disease subtypes including plasma exchange and immunoglobulins for treatment in a myasthenic crisis. Recently, clinical approval of eculizumab, a complement inhibitor, enriched the pharmacological armamentarium for AChR antibody-positive MG patients not appropriately responding to immunosuppression alone.
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