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Zhang Y, Wen Z, Chen M, Xia C, Cai F, Chu L. Nonlinear relationship between circulating natural killer cell count and 1-year relapse rates in myasthenia gravis: a retrospective cohort study. PeerJ 2024; 12:e18562. [PMID: 39655331 PMCID: PMC11627074 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 10/31/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The relapse rate in myasthenia gravis (MG) is high, and promising therapies have emerged; however, identifying potential predictive factors for relapse remains a challenge. This study aimed to explore the association between circulating natural killer (NK) cell levels and the risk of recurrence in MG. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 265 patients with MG whose data were included in the Neurology Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University database between March 2015 and March 2022. Data from electronic medical records were collected, which included the patients' circulating NK cell count (exposure variable) and demographic/clinical characteristics (covariates). The primary outcome was the 1-year MG recurrence rate. Results The study revealed a non-linear relationship between peripheral NK cell count and MG recurrence, with an inflection point at 5.38. Below this threshold, the risk of recurrence was low with higher NK cell counts (relative risk (RR): 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.11-0.490]); above this threshold, no significant association was observed (RR: 1.43, 95% CI [0.62-3.34]). Furthermore, the NK cell proportion showed no significant linear or non-linear association with MG recurrence risk (RR: 0.84, 95% CI [0.57-1.2]). Conclusion This study provides epidemiological evidence of a potential association between peripheral NK cell count and MG recurrence risk, suggesting an immunoregulatory protective effect within a specific NK cell count range. These findings may inform more personalized MG treatment strategies, warranting further validation in larger and more diverse cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhiguo Wen
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Meiqiu Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Cong Xia
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Fang Cai
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Lan Chu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Ma J, Chen D, Yi F, Song J, Luo S, Zhong H, Xi J, Wu Z, Li Z, Zhao C. Optimal time for the addition of non-corticosteroid immunosuppressants in myasthenia gravis: a single-center retrospective study in China. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1474508. [PMID: 39574506 PMCID: PMC11580010 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1474508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) display strong treatment heterogeneity. Recent studies have indicated that low-dose steroids or immunosuppressants are effective. However, factors affecting the add-on of non-corticosteroid immunosuppressants to corticosteroids remain unknown. Method Consecutive patients with MG were retrospectively reviewed from May 15, 2015, to December 29, 2020. We included one group of patients with steroid treatment alone and another group who transitioned to non-steroid immunosuppressant therapy. Clinical features of the included patients were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to identify potential influential factors. Results A total of 107 patients with MG were analyzed, including 66 receiving corticosteroid treatment alone and 41 who subsequently also received non-corticosteroid immunosuppressant therapy. Eight potential factors were primarily selected in univariate analysis (Ps < 0.1). Achieving minimal symptom expression (MSE) within 6 months (HR: 4.424, 95%CI: 2.102-11.865), body mass index (BMI) (HR: 0.385, 95% CI: 0.186-0.797), quantitative MG (QMG) bulbar muscle score (HR: 1.553, 95% CI: 1.140-2.118), disease duration (HR: 0.987, 95% CI: 0.977-0.997) and relapse (HR: 2.638, 95% CI: 1.031-6.750) were finally identified as potential influencing factors. Discussion We found multifactorial clinical factors were highly associated with the add-on of non-steroid immunosuppressants after steroid treatment in patients with MG. Achieving MSE within 6 months, BMI, QMG bulbar muscle score at baseline before steroid treatment, disease duration, and disease relapse may represent crucial influencing factors, which should be considered to improve the long-term prognosis for patients with MG in future studies and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Ma
- Department of Neurology, Xi’an Gaoxin Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Yi
- Department of Neurology, Loudi Center Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Nanhua University, Loudi, China
| | - Jie Song
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sushan Luo
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huahua Zhong
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongtai Wu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Zunbo Li
- Department of Neurology, Xi’an Gaoxin Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Zhong H, Li Z, Li X, Wu Z, Yan C, Luo S, Zhao C. Initiation response, maximized therapeutic efficacy, and post-treatment effects of biological targeted therapies in myasthenia gravis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1479685. [PMID: 39529623 PMCID: PMC11551044 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1479685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 10/17/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background As targeted drug development in myasthenia gravis (MG) continues to advance, it is important to compare the efficacy of these drugs for better clinical decision-making. However, due to the varied regimens and dosages used in clinical trials for different drugs, a standardized comparison between them is necessary. Methods This study enrolled participants in phase II and III trials of innovative targeted drugs for MG. The primary outcome was the change in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score (MG-QMG) from baseline. The efficacy of all drugs at four time points was separately analyzed at four time points: initiation 1 week, initiation 4 weeks, maximized response, and post last dose 4 weeks. A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the results of the different drugs. Results A total of 9 drugs, including Efgartigimod, Rozanolixizumab, Batoclimab, Eculizumab, Belimumab, Zilucoplan, Ravulizumab, Nipocalimab, Rituximab, derived from 12 studies were analyzed. At the initiation 1-week time point, three drugs exhibited significant improvement compared to the placebo effect: Efgartigimod, Zilucoplan, Rozanolixizumab. At the initiation 4-week time point, four drugs showed significant improvement compared to the placebo effect: Efgartigimod, Rozanolixizumab, Batoclimab, Zilucoplan. At the maximized response time point, six drugs achieved significant improvement compared to the placebo effect: Efgartigimod, Rozanolixizumab, Batoclimab, Eculizumab, Zilucoplan, Ravulizumab. At the post last dose 4-week point, all drugs statistically showed no significant difference from the placebo. Conclusion Although the MG subtypes were not consistent across trials, within the regimen design of each trial, neonatal Fc receptor inhibitors-represented by Efgartigimod, Rozanolixizumab, and Batoclimab-exhibited the most effective response rates when compared to complement and B-cell inhibitor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Zhong
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xicheng Li
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongtai Wu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chong Yan
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sushan Luo
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Jiang Z, Hu W, Ning Z, Wu L, Yang L, Liao H, Chen B, Tang J, Xu R, Guo F, Liu S. Serum globulin in children with myasthenia gravis: predicting relapse and prognosis. Neurol Res 2024; 46:669-678. [PMID: 38602312 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2024.2340883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Serum globulin is associated with inflammatory or immune disorders. However, it has not been established whether it is associated with myasthenia gravis (MG). We investigated the association between globulin with relapse and prognosis in children with MG. METHODS A cohort of 148 MG cases and 150 healthy children were retrospectively enrolled from January 2015 to December 2021. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression models were used to analyze the treatment outcomes and recurrence of case group, exploring the influence of globulin. RESULTS Compared with the control group, globulin levels in the MG group were slightly increased (t = 7.244, p < 0.001). After a mean follow-up of 2.25 ± 1.05 years, 35 cases relapsed, with a relapse rate of 23.65%. Logistic regression analysis showed that globulin levels at admission [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.233, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.028-1.472, p = 0.018] were independent risk factors for relapse. Cox regression analysis confirmed that globulin levels at admission affects relapse-free time [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.552, 95% CI 0.357-0.852, p = 0.007]. Receiver operating characteristic curve determined 25.10 as the optimal cutoff value for globulin. Cox regression showed that high globulin levels (>25.10) at admission (adjusted HR = 0.607, 95% CI 0.383-0.961, p = 0.033) were independent risk factors for poor therapeutic outcomes at follow-up. Ordinal logistic regression showed that globulin affects the treatment plan (OR = 1.445, 95% CI 1.223-1.847, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Elevated globulin levels in children with MG on admission predicts a high relapse rate and poor long-term therapeutic efficacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zeshu Ning
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Liwen Wu
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Liming Yang
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hongmei Liao
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jingwen Tang
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Xu
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shulei Liu
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
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Huang X, Li H, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Du X, Zhang Y. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor: A noval biomarker upregulates in myasthenia gravis and correlates with disease severity and relapse. Cytokine 2024; 175:156485. [PMID: 38159470 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and disease severity and relapse in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS 145 MG patients including 79 new-onset patients, 30 remission patients and 36 relapse patients were enrolled in this study. The detailed characteristics of all enrolled MG patients were routinely recorded, including gender, age, type, MGFA classification, antibody, thymic status, clinical score, treatment, MGFA-PIS and B cell subsets (memory B cells, plasmablast cells and plasma cells) detected by flow cytometry. Serum MIF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The correlation of MIF levels with clinical subtypes, disease severity and B cell subsets were investigated. Moreover, logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the factors affecting relapse of generalized MG (GMG). RESULTS Serum MIF levels were higher in new-onset MG patients than those in controls and were positively associated with QMG score, MGFA classification and memory B cells. Subgroup analysis revealed that MIF levels were increased in GMG patients than in ocular MG (OMG), as well as elevated in MGFA III/IV compared with MGFA I/II. With the remission of the disease, the expression of serum MIF decreased. The multivariate logistic regression models indicated that high MIF and thymoma was a risk factor for relapse of GMG, and rituximab could prevent disease relapse. CONCLUSIONS MIF can be used as a novel biomarker to reflect disease severity and predict disease relapse in MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Huang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhouao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhouyi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Du
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Seok JW, Lee J, Kim M, Kim MJ, Shin HY, Kim SW. Plasma Myokine Profiles in Patients With AChR- and MuSK-Ab-Positive Myasthenia Gravis. J Clin Neurol 2023; 19:469-477. [PMID: 37455510 PMCID: PMC10471556 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Myokines include cytokines secreted by muscle fibers, which are the final targets of myasthenia gravis (MG). This pilot study investigated whether myokine plasma concentrations are altered in patients with MG and assessed the association between the concentration of each myokine and disease severity. METHODS We compared the plasma concentrations of 15 myokines in 63 patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody (Ab)-positive MG and 14 with muscle-specific tyrosine kinase Ab-positive MG (MuSK MG) with those in 15 healthy controls. Plasma myokine concentrations were measured using a Luminex multiplex assay kit with magnetic beads that contained Abs for 15 myokines. Correlations between myokine concentration and clinical scale results were analyzed. RESULTS The concentration of fractalkine in plasma was higher in MG (median [interquartile range]=419.6 [38.7-732.5] pg/mL) than in controls (158.5 [0.0-313.2] pg/mL, p=0.034). The leukemia inhibitory factor concentration was also found to be higher in MuSK MG (29.9 [8.7-40.1] pg/mL) than in healthy controls (7.6 [0.0-15.6] pg/mL, p=0.013). Fatty-acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) concentrations in plasma were positively associated with clinical parameters for MG severity, including scores on the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score (p=0.008), Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (p=0.003), and Myasthenia Gravis Composite (p=0.024) scales. FABP3 concentration in plasma tended to decrease after treatment in patients without additional relapse but increased in those with further relapse. CONCLUSIONS The plasma myokine profile was significantly altered in patients with MG. FABP3 concentration may be useful in assessing disease severity and predicting the treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Woon Seok
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinny Lee
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - MinGi Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha Young Shin
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Woo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Bi Z, Ge H, Zhang Q, Gao H, Yang M, Zhan J, Lin J, Gui M, Li Y, Ji S, Cao Y, Bu B. Clinical Features, Treatment, and Prognostic Factors of Childhood-Onset Myasthenia Gravis in a Large Chinese Cohort. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 146:31-39. [PMID: 37421800 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe the clinical features of patients with childhood-onset myasthenia gravis (MG) (CMG) and explore predictors affecting the treatment outcomes. METHODS A retrospective observational cohort analysis of 859 patients with CMG with disease onset before age 14 years was performed at Tongji Hospital. RESULTS Patients in the pubertal-onset group (n = 148) had a worse disease course than those in the prepubertal group (n = 711), including a higher incidence of generalized MG (GMG) at presentation, generalization of ocular MG (OMG), and more severe Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification. All patients were initially treated with pyridostigmine, 657 with prednisone, and 196 with immunosuppressants (ISs). However, 226 patients were resistant to prednisone treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that thymic hyperplasia, higher MGFA class, disease duration before prednisone administration, and thymectomy before prednisone administration were independent predictors of prednisone resistance. At the last visit, 121 of the 840 patients with OMG had developed GMG after a median of 10.0 years from symptom onset and 186 patients (21.7%) achieved complete stable remission (CSR). In multivariable analysis, age at onset, thymic hyperplasia, prednisone, and IS treatment were associated with generalization, whereas age at onset, disease duration, anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR-ab), MGFA class II, short-term prednisone treatment, and IS treatment were associated with CSR. CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients with CMG have mild clinical symptoms and favorable outcomes, especially those with earlier onset age, shorter disease duration, and negative AChR-ab. In addition, early prednisone and ISs are shown to be effective and safe for most patients with CMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuajin Bi
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huizhen Ge
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huajie Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengge Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiayang Zhan
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengcui Gui
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Suqiong Ji
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yayun Cao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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Bi Z, Zhan J, Zhang Q, Gao H, Yang M, Ge H, Gui M, Lin J, Bu B. Clinical and immune-related factors associated with exacerbation in adults with well-controlled generalized myasthenia gravis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1177249. [PMID: 37266422 PMCID: PMC10230065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1177249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To describe the clinical predictors and immune-related factors for exacerbation in adults with well-controlled generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG). Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 585 adults with well-controlled GMG from our institution to explore the risk factors for exacerbation. Furthermore, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare the proportions of lymphocyte subsets, and the levels of immunoglobulin, complement, and anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-ab) in the peripheral blood of 111 patients with exacerbations and 72 patients without exacerbations. Results A total of 404 patients (69.1%) experienced at least one exacerbation, and the median (interquartile range) time to the first exacerbation was 1.5 years (0.8-3.1 years). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that age at onset, disease duration before enrollment, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification (MGFA) class III vs. class II, MGFA class IV-V vs. class II, AChR-ab levels, anti-muscle specific kinase antibody levels, thymus hyperplasia, prednisone plus immunosuppressants vs. prednisone treatment, and thymectomy were independent predictors for exacerbations [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.011, 1.031, 1.580, 1.429, 2.007, 2.033, 1.461, 0.798, and 0.651, respectively]. Propensity-matched analysis compared 51 patient pairs. After PSM, the peripheral blood proportions of CD3-CD19+ B cells, ratios of CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ T cells, and AChR-ab levels were significantly increased, and the peripheral blood proportions of CD3+CD8+ T and CD4+CD25+CD127low+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were significantly lower in patients with exacerbation than in those without exacerbation (all p < 0.05). Conclusion Myasthenia gravis (MG) exacerbations were more frequent in those patients with older onset age, longer disease duration, more severe MGFA classification, positive AChR-ab, and lack of combined immunotherapy or thymectomy treatment. On the other hand, CD3-CD19+ B cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells, Tregs, and AChR-ab in peripheral blood may be involved in the course of GMG exacerbation.
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