1
|
Han HJ, Kim SW, Kim H, So J, Lee EJ, Lim YM, Lee JH, Lee MA, Kim BJ, Baek SH, Lee HS, Sohn E, Kim S, Park JS, Kang M, Park HJ, Yoon BA, Kim JK, Seok HY, Kim S, Min JH, Chung YH, Cho JH, Kim JE, Oh SI, Shin HY. Impact of COVID-19 Infection and Its Association With Previous Vaccination in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis in Korea: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e150. [PMID: 38742290 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e150] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) were more susceptible to poor outcomes owing to respiratory muscle weakness and immunotherapy. Several studies conducted in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic reported higher mortality in patients with MG compared to the general population. This study aimed to investigate the clinical course and prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with MG and to compare these parameters between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients in South Korea. METHODS This multicenter, retrospective study, which was conducted at 14 tertiary hospitals in South Korea, reviewed the medical records and identified MG patients who contracted COVID-19 between February 2022 and April 2022. The demographic and clinical characteristics associated with MG and vaccination status were collected. The clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection and MG were investigated and compared between the vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. RESULTS Ninety-two patients with MG contracted COVID-19 during the study. Nine (9.8%) patients required hospitalization, 4 (4.3%) of whom were admitted to the intensive care unit. Seventy-five of 92 patients were vaccinated before contracting COVID-19 infection, and 17 were not. During the COVID-19 infection, 6 of 17 (35.3%) unvaccinated patients were hospitalized, whereas 3 of 75 (4.0%) vaccinated patients were hospitalized (P < 0.001). The frequencies of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation were significantly lower in the vaccinated patients than in the unvaccinated patients (P = 0.019 and P = 0.032, respectively). The rate of MG deterioration was significantly lower in the vaccinated patients than in the unvaccinated patients (P = 0.041). Logistic regression after weighting revealed that the risk of hospitalization and MG deterioration after COVID-19 infection was significantly lower in the vaccinated patients than in the unvaccinated patients. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the clinical course and prognosis of patients with MG who contracted COVID-19 during the dominance of the omicron variant of COVID-19 may be milder than those at the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when vaccination was unavailable. Vaccination may reduce the morbidity of COVID-19 in patients with MG and effectively prevent MG deterioration induced by COVID-19 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jo Han
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Woo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungmin So
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Jae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Min Lim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung Ah Lee
- Department of Neurology, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Jo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seol-Hee Baek
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung-Soo Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunhee Sohn
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Sooyoung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jin-Sung Park
- Department of Neurology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Minsung Kang
- Department of Neurology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyung Jun Park
- Department of Neurology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byeol-A Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Jong Kuk Kim
- Department of Neurology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Hung Youl Seok
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sohyeon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Ju-Hong Min
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon Hak Chung
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Hee Cho
- Department of Neurology, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jee-Eun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong-Il Oh
- Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha Young Shin
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stepanian L, Laughlin RS, Bacher C, Izenberg A, Hodgkinson V, Dyck A, Breiner A, Kassardjian CD. Chronic glucocorticoid management in neuromuscular disease: A survey of neuromuscular neurologists. Muscle Nerve 2024. [PMID: 38411028 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28069] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Glucocorticoids (GC) are first-line therapy for many neuromuscular diseases. There is a lack of guidelines regarding the prevention and management of GC complications in the context of neuromuscular disease, introducing the potential for practice variation, that may compromise quality of care. Our aim was to evaluate the practice patterns among Canadian adult neuromuscular neurologists on the screening, management, and treatment of GC-related complications and to identify variances in practice. METHODS A web-based anonymous questionnaire was disseminated to 99 Canadian adult neuromuscular neurologists. Questions addressed patterns of screening, prevention, monitoring, and treatment of GC-induced adverse events, including infection prophylaxis, vaccination, bone health, hyperglycemia, and other complications. RESULTS Seventy-one percent completed the survey. Of those, 52% perform screening blood work prior to initiating GC, 56% screen for infections, and 18% for osteoporosis. The majority monitor glycemic control and blood pressure (>85%). Thirty-two (46%) reported that they do not primarily monitor GC complications, but rather provide recommendations to the primary care physician. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis was never used by 29%, and 29% recommend vaccinations prior to GC initiation. Calcium supplementation was recommended by 80% to prevent osteoporosis. Only 36% were aware of any existing guidelines for preventing GC complications, and 91% endorsed a need for neurology-specific guidelines. DISCUSSION There is substantial variability in the management of GC adverse effects among neuromuscular neurologists, often not corresponding to limited published literature. Our results support the need for improved education and neurology-specific guidelines to help standardize practice and improve and prevent complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lora Stepanian
- School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Corey Bacher
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Scarborough Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron Izenberg
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Hodgkinson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Adrienna Dyck
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ari Breiner
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles D Kassardjian
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Unity Health Toronto and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Neurology Quality and Innovation Lab, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Howard JF, Bril V, Vu T, Karam C, Peric S, De Bleecker JL, Murai H, Meisel A, Beydoun SR, Pasnoor M, Guglietta A, Van Hoorick B, Steeland S, T’joen C, Utsugisawa K, Verschuuren J, Mantegazza R. Long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of efgartigimod (ADAPT+): interim results from a phase 3 open-label extension study in participants with generalized myasthenia gravis. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1284444. [PMID: 38318236 PMCID: PMC10842202 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1284444] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective ADAPT+ assessed the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of efgartigimod in adult participants with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). Methods ADAPT+ was an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, up to 3-year extension of the pivotal phase 3 ADAPT study. Efgartigimod was administered in treatment cycles of 4 intravenous infusions (one 10 mg/kg infusion per week). Initiation of subsequent treatment cycles was individualized based on clinical evaluation. Safety endpoints included incidence and severity of adverse events. Efficacy endpoints assessed disease severity using Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scores. Results As of January 2022, 151 participants had rolled over to ADAPT+ and 145 had received ≥1 dose of efgartigimod, of whom, 111 (76.6%) were AChR-Ab+ and 34 (23.4%) were AChR-Ab-. Mean study duration (treatment plus follow-up) was 548 days, and participants received up to 17 treatment cycles, corresponding to 217.6 participant-years of exposure. In the overall population, 123 (84.8%) participants reported ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event; most frequent were headache (36 [24.8%]), COVID-19 (22 [15.2%]), and nasopharyngitis (20 [13.8%]). Clinically meaningful improvement (CMI) in mean MG-ADL and QMG scores was seen as early as 1 week following the first infusion across multiple cycles in AChR-Ab+ and AChR-Ab- participants. Maximal MG-ADL and QMG improvements aligned with onset and magnitude of total IgG and AChR-Ab reductions. For AChR-Ab+ participants at any time point in each of the first 10 treatment cycles, more than 90% had a maximum reduction of ≥2 points (CMI) in MG-ADL total score; across the 7 cycles in which QMG was measured, 69.4% to 91.3% of participants demonstrated a maximum reduction of ≥3 points (CMI) in QMG total score. Many participants demonstrated improvements well beyond CMI thresholds. In AChR-Ab+ participants with ≥1 year of combined follow-up between ADAPT and ADAPT+, mean number of annualized cycles was 4.7 per year (median [range] 5.0 [0.5-7.6]). Conclusion Results of ADAPT+ corroborate the substantial clinical improvements seen with efgartigimod in ADAPT and support its long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy, as well as an individualized dosing regimen for treatment of gMG. Clinical trial registration https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03770403, NCT03770403.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James F. Howard
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Vera Bril
- Ellen and Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tuan Vu
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Chafic Karam
- Penn Neuroscience Center-Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stojan Peric
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jan L. De Bleecker
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hiroyuki Murai
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Said R. Beydoun
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mamatha Pasnoor
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jan Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione Istituto Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhou S, Wen Y, Liu C, Zhong J, Liang M, Wu Y, Lv S, Gong Z, Lao D, Li T, Lu T, Tang J, Mo X, Huang W. Clinical Characteristics of Myasthenia Gravis Patients with COVID-19 in Guangxi, China: A Case-Control Study. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:3157-3168. [PMID: 37525635 PMCID: PMC10387240 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s419307] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose With the adjustment of prevention strategies in December 2022, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became widely prevalent in China. This study is aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with COVID-19 and identify risk factors of exacerbation in MG patients with COVID-19 in Guangxi. Patients and Methods A total of 489 MG patients and 587 control subjects in Guangxi during the COVID-19 pandemic were enrolled in this case-control study. After contacting the participants, the clinical data of MG patients and the control group were analyzed. The clinical characteristics of MG patients with COVID-19 were described. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used for discovering independent risk factors of MG exacerbation in the patients with MG and COVID-19. Results A total of 311 (75.30%) MG patients and 428 (72.91%) control subjects were infected with COVID-19, and 64.31% of MG patients with COVID-19 were women. The median age at the time of interview was 41 (IQR: 28, 54) years old, and median onset age was 36 (IQR: 24, 51), both of which were lower than those in MG patients without COVID-19. MG duration was 24 (IQR: 9, 72) months. About 44.69% of patients were generalized MG (GMG). About 11.90% of MG patients with COVID-19 showed severe COVID-19 symptoms and the duration of symptomatic COVID-19 was 9.57 ± 6.79 days, higher than those in the control group. About 35.69% MG patients with immunosuppressive drugs were infected with COVID-19, which is higher than those in the non-infected MG patients (21.57%). A total of 120 (38.59%) MG patients with COVID-19 had comorbidities. About 21 (20.19%) of the 104 MG patients without vaccination showed severe COVID-19 symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that baseline MG activities of daily living profile (MG-ADL, OR 1.280, 95% CI: 1.010-1.621, p = 0.041), duration of COVID-19 (OR 1.158, 95% CI: 1.100-1.220, p < 0.001), GMG (OR 2.331, 95% CI: 1.228, 4.426, p = 0.010), and lack of COVID vaccination (OR 2.075, 95% CI: 1.152, 3.738, p = 0.015) were independent factors of exacerbation in MG patients with COVID-19. Conclusion MG patients with immunosuppressive drugs, younger onset, longer MG duration, or comorbidities are more susceptible to COVID-19. The baseline MG-ADL, duration of symptomatic COVID-19, GMG, and lack of COVID-19 vaccination are independent risk factors of exacerbation in MG patients with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaodan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yishuang Wen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhong
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Manli Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Wu
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sirao Lv
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuowei Gong
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dayuan Lao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Taiyan Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingqun Tang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuean Mo
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chien CY, Chang CW, Liao MF, Chu CC, Ro LS, Wu YR, Chang KH, Chen CM, Kuo HC. Myasthenia gravis and independent risk factors for recurrent infection: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:255. [PMID: 37400755 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03306-3] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 10% to 20% of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients have experienced a myasthenic crisis (MC), which contributes to morbidity and mortality. MC triggered by infection is associated with poor outcomes. However, there is a lack of prognostic factors that clinicians can utilize to target interventions for preventing recurrent infection-triggered MC. This study aimed to characterize clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and biochemical profiles associated with recurrent infection-triggered MC in MG patients. METHODS This retrospective study included 272 MG patients hospitalized with an infection requiring at least 3 days of antibiotics from January 2001 to December 2019. Patients were further stratified into non-recurrent or recurrent infection groups. Clinical features such as gender, age, concomitant diseases, acetylcholine receptor antibodies and biochemical data (including electrolytes and coagulants), muscle strength of pelvic and shoulder girdle, bulbar and respiratory function, management with an endotracheal tube, Foley catheter, or plasmapheresis, duration of hospitalization, and culture pathogens were recorded. RESULTS The recurrent infection group was significantly older than the non-recurrent group (median age, 58.5 versus 52.0 years). Pneumonia was the most common infection and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common pathogen. The presence of concomitant diabetes mellitus, activated partial thromboplastin time prolongation, the duration of hospitalization, and hypomagnesaemia were independently associated with recurrent infection. The presence of deep vein thrombosis, thymic cancer, and electrolyte imbalances i.e., hypokalemia, and hypoalbuminemia were significantly associated with a risk for infection. The influence of endotracheal intubation, anemia, and plasmapheresis during hospitalization were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS The independent risk factors for recurrent infections in MG patients identified in this study include the presence of concomitant diabetes mellitus, hypomagnesaemia, activated partial thromboplastin time prolongation, and longer duration of hospitalization, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to prevent recurrent infections in this population. Further research and prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and refine interventions for optimizing patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yin Chien
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Liao
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Che Chu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sun Ro
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Ru Wu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chou Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital & Chang Gung University, No. 5, Fuxing St, Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333423, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gilhus NE. Myasthenia gravis, respiratory function, and respiratory tract disease. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11733-y. [PMID: 37101094 PMCID: PMC10132430 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11733-y] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by muscle weakness caused by autoantibodies that bind to the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction and impair acetylcholine receptor function. Weakness of respiratory muscles represents the most severe MG manifestation, and 10-15% of all patients experience an MG crisis with the need of mechanical ventilatory support at least once in their life. MG patients with respiratory muscle weakness need active immunosuppressive drug treatment long term, and they need regular specialist follow-up. Comorbidities affecting respiratory function need attention and optimal treatment. Respiratory tract infections can lead to MG exacerbations and precipitate an MG crisis. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are the core treatments for severe MG exacerbations. High-dose corticosteroids, complement inhibitors, and FcRn blockers represent fast-acting treatments that are effective in most MG patients. Neonatal myasthenia is a transient condition with muscle weakness in the newborn caused by mother's muscle antibodies. In rare cases, treatment of respiratory muscle weakness in the baby is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stascheit F, Grittner U, Hoffmann S, Mergenthaler P, Schroeter M, Ruck T, Pawlitzki M, Blaes F, Kaiser J, Schara U, Della-Marina A, Thieme A, Hagenacker T, Jacobi C, Berger B, Urban PP, Knop KC, Schalke B, Lee DH, Kalischewski P, Wiendl H, Meisel A. Risk and course of COVID-19 in immunosuppressed patients with myasthenia gravis. J Neurol 2023; 270:1-12. [PMID: 36166068 PMCID: PMC9512984 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11389-0] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) are potentially prone for a severe COVID-19 course, but there are limited real-world data available on the risk associated with COVID-19 for patients with MG. Here, we investigate whether current immunosuppressive therapy (IST) influences the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity. METHODS Data from the German myasthenia gravis registry were analyzed from May 2020 until June 2021 and included patient demographics, MG disease duration, comorbidities, current IST use, COVID-19 characteristics, and outcomes. Propensity score matching was employed to match MG patients with IST to those without, and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to determine associations between IST with (1) symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and (2) severe COVID-19 course, as measured by hospitalization or death. RESULTS Of 1379 patients with MG, 95 (7%) patients (mean age 58 (standard deviation [SD] 18) presented with COVID-19, of which 76 (80%) received IST at time of infection. 32 patients (34%) were hospitalized due to COVID-19; a total of 11 patients (12%) died. IST was a risk factor for hospitalization or death in the group of COVID-19-affected MG patients (odds ratio [OR] 3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-9.06, p = 0.046), but current IST was not associated with a higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection itself. DISCUSSION In this national MG cohort study, current IST use was a risk factor for a severe disease course of COVID-19 but not for SARS-CoV-2 infection itself. These data support the consequent implementation of effective strategies to prevent COVID-19 in this high-risk group. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION German clinical trial registry ( https://www.drks.de ), DRKS00024099, first patient enrolled: February 4th, 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Stascheit
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany ,NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany ,NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mergenthaler
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany ,NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schroeter
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mark Pawlitzki
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Franz Blaes
- Department of Neurology, Kreiskrankenhaus Oberberg GmbH, Oberberg, Germany
| | - Julia Kaiser
- Department of Neurology, LVR Klinik Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara
- Department of Neuropediatric, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Adela Della-Marina
- Department of Neuropediatric, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andrea Thieme
- Department of Neurology, Helios Hospital Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Jacobi
- Department of Neurology, Sankt Katharinen Krankenhaus GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Benjamin Berger
- Department of Neurology, Helios Hospital Pforzheim, Pforzheim, Germany ,Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter P. Urban
- Department of Neurology, Asklepios Hospital Hamburg Barmbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Berthold Schalke
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - De-Hyung Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany ,NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Su M, Jin S, Jiao K, Yan C, Song J, Xi J, Zhao C, Zhou Z, Zheng J, Luo S. Pneumonia in myasthenia gravis: Microbial etiology and clinical management. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1016728. [PMID: 36569203 PMCID: PMC9780595 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1016728] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) are prone to the development of pneumonia due to the long-term immunotherapies they receive and a tendency for aspiration. Pneumonia remains a risk factor for MG worsening and is the most prevalent cause of mortality in MG patients. Classification of the pathogens involved and exploration of the risk factors for mechanical ventilation (MV) could aid in improving clinical outcomes. Methods Between January 2013 and October 2022, we performed an inpatient database review for MG patients with pneumonia concurrence in a tertiary research center specializing in neuromuscular disorders. The clinical and microbiological characteristics of 116 MG patients with pneumonia were retrospectively analyzed. Results In our cohort, 90.32% (112/124) of organisms were bacteria and 42.86% (48/112) of pathogenic bacteria were carbapenem-resistant. A high abundance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was detected using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 12 patients, while cytomegalovirus (CMV) was detected in 8 patients. Non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli were the most prevalent microorganisms, in which ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP), piperacillin, cefoperazone, ceftazidime, and cefepime may have an anti-infectious effect. Moreover, peripheral lymphocyte percentage [odds ratio (OR) 0.88, 95% CI 0.75-0.96, p = 0.02] and serum globulin (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.35, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with the risk of MV demand. Discussion Our identification of the microbial etiology of pneumonia in MG patients may provide future perspectives on accurate antibiotic options and enable early interventions when risk factors are present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manqiqige Su
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan Univeristy, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Jin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui, China
| | - Kexin Jiao
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan Univeristy, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Yan
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan Univeristy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Song
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan Univeristy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan Univeristy, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan Univeristy, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhirui Zhou
- Radiation Oncology Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan Univeristy, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Sushan Luo, ; Jianming Zheng,
| | - Sushan Luo
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan Univeristy, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Sushan Luo, ; Jianming Zheng,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Duan W, Zhou H, Dong X, Li B, Li Y, Cai H, Zhou Q, Ouyang S, Yin W, Yang H. Application of lymphoplasmapheresis in the treatment of severe myasthenia gravis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1018509. [PMID: 36303555 PMCID: PMC9595276 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1018509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphoplasmapheresis (LPE) is a treatment that combines traditional plasma exchange and lymphocyte removal technique. It has been applied to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, but its application value in the treatment of severe myasthenia gravis (MG) is not yet clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of LPE in severe MG. Methods Clinical data of 123 severe patients with MG (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Clinical Classification, Class IV) who received LPE treatment were included in a retrospective analysis. Efficacy was evaluated by the change of Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score (QMGS) before and after treatment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore clinical factors affecting efficacy. Results A total of 220 replacements were performed in 123 patients, with an average of 1.79 replacements per patient. The overall safety of LPE was good, and no serious adverse reactions occurred. After treatment, the mean QMGS of patients decreased significantly, from 23.40 ± 4.25 points before treatment to 17.93 ± 5.61 points after treatment, a decrease of 5.47 ± 4.16 points. 75.6% of patients experienced remission of clinical symptoms. During a 2-month follow-up of 64 patients, a progressive improvement in QMGS was found. Each muscle group involved in MG responded well to LPE treatment. In addition, LPE significantly reduced the levels of AChR-Ab and inflammatory cytokines in patients. Age ≥ 50 years and co-infection were unfavorable factors affecting the efficacy. Conclusions In this study cohort, LPE is safe for the treatment of severe MG and achieves good treatment outcome with fewer replacements. In patients with MG, the avoidance and timely control of infection are necessary. Our study provides a potential new treatment option for severe MG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Duan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohua Dong
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bijuan Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haobing Cai
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Song Ouyang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weifan Yin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Huan Yang
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tong T, Zhang J, Jia L, Liang P, Wang N. Integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis reveals hubs protein and network alterations in myasthenia gravis. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:5417-5426. [PMID: 35802752 PMCID: PMC9320536 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background: Thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis (TAMG) is a well-described subtype of Myasthenia gravis (MG). Nevertheless, the detailed proteins and bioprocess differentiating TAMG from TAMG (−) thymoma have remained unclear. Methods: The proteomics and metabolomics were carried out on serum samples from thymoma group (n = 60, TNMG), TAMG (+) thymoma group (n = 70, TAMG (+)), and TAMG (−) thymomas group (n = 62, TAMG (−)), and controls (n = 159). groups. Proteomics and metabolomics analyses, including weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), was conducted to detect the hub proteins and metabolomics processes that could differentiate TAMG (+) from TAMG (−) thymomas. MetaboAnalyst was used to examine the integration of proteomic and metabolomic analysis to differentiate TAMG (+) from TAMG (−) thymomas. Results: The of module–trait correlation of WGCNA analysis identified KRT1, GSN, COL6A1, KRT10, FOLR2, KRT9, KRT2, TPI1, ARF3, LYZ, ADIPOQ, SEMA4B, IGKV1-27, MASP2, IGF2R was associated with TAMG (+) thymomas. In addition, organismal systems-immune system and metabolism-biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites were closely related to the mechanism of TAMG (+) pathogenesis. Conclusion: Our integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis supply a systems-level view of proteome changes in TAMG (+), TAMG (−) thymomas and exposes disease-associated protein network alterations involved in.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Tong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Li Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Gynaecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lee I, Schold JD, Hehir MK, Claytor B, Silvestri N, Li Y. Validation of myasthenia gravis diagnosis in the older Medicare population. Muscle Nerve 2022; 65:676-682. [PMID: 35218052 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Administrative health data has been increasingly used to study the epidemiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) but a case ascertainment algorithm is lacking. We aimed to develop a valid algorithm for identifying MG patients in the older population with Medicare coverage. METHODS Local older patients (age ≥65) who received healthcare at the Cleveland Clinic and possessed Medicare coverage in 2014 and 2015 were selected. Potential MG patients were identified by using a combination of ICD9 or ICD10 codes for MG and MG-related text-word search. Diagnosis was categorized as "definite MG", "possible MG" or "non-MG" after review of clinical summaries by 5 neuromuscular specialists. Performances of various algorithms were tested by use of the definite MG cohort as a reference standard, and calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. RESULTS A total of 118 988 local older patients with Medicare coverage were identified. Usage of MG ICD codes and text-word search resulted in 125 patients with definite and 67 with possible MG. A total of 45 algorithms involving ICD usage, medication prescription, and specialty visit were tested. The best performing algorithm was identified as 2 office visits using MG ICD codes separated by at least 4 weeks or 1 hospital discharge and 1 office visit each using MG ICD codes separated by at least 4 weeks within the two-year period, resulting in a sensitivity and positive predictive value of 80% for identifying definite MG patients. DISCUSSION Algorithms using ICD codes can reliably identify patients with MG with a high degree of accuracy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ikjae Lee
- The Neurological Institute of New York, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jesse D Schold
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael K Hehir
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Benjamin Claytor
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Clevelnd Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicholas Silvestri
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo/SUNY, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Yuebing Li
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Clevelnd Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Claytor B, Li Y. Opinions on pneumocystis jirovecci prophylaxis in autoimmune neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve 2021; 65:278-283. [PMID: 34952994 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27481] [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: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecci (PJ) is ubiquitously present in the environment and capable of causing an interstitial pneumonia in immunocompromised subjects. It has been advocated that routine prophylaxis against PJ be given to patients with autoimmune neuromuscular conditions which require prolonged usage of corticosteroid therapy and/or other immunosuppressive agents. Available data, however, suggest that the risk of PJ infection in patients with autoimmune neuromuscular diseases is extremely low and a widespread usage of prophylactic therapy is likely unnecessary. Comorbidities including intestinal lung disease, prolonged lymphopenia, low CD4 count, parenchymal organ failure, and active cancer status appear to increase risk for PJ infection, and it is our opinion that these risk factors should be considered to determine the risk of PJ infection and the requirement for prophylaxis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Claytor
- Neuromuscular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yuebing Li
- Neuromuscular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and abnormal fatigability due to the antibodies against postsynaptic receptors. Despite the individual discrepancy, patients with MG share common muscle weakness, autoimmune dysfunction, and immunosuppressive treatment, which predispose them to infections that can trigger or exacerbate MG. Vaccination, as a mainstay of prophylaxis, is a major management strategy. However, the past years have seen growth in vaccine hesitancy, owing to safety and efficacy concerns. Ironically, vaccines, serving as an essential and effective means of defense, may induce similar immune cross-reactivity to what they are meant to prevent. Herein, we outline the progress in vaccination, review the current status, and postulate the clinical association among MG, vaccination, and immunosuppression. We also address safety and efficacy concerns of vaccination in MG, in relation to COVID-19. Since only a handful of studies have reported vaccination in individuals with MG, we further review the current clinical studies and guidelines in rheumatic diseases. Overall, our reviews offer a reference to guide future vaccine clinical decision-making and improve the management of MG patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ran Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haojun Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Howard JF, Bril V, Vu T, Karam C, Peric S, Margania T, Murai H, Bilinska M, Shakarishvili R, Smilowski M, Guglietta A, Ulrichts P, Vangeneugden T, Utsugisawa K, Verschuuren J, Mantegazza R. Safety, efficacy, and tolerability of efgartigimod in patients with generalised myasthenia gravis (ADAPT): a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Neurol 2021; 20:526-536. [PMID: 34146511 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an unmet need for treatment options for generalised myasthenia gravis that are effective, targeted, well tolerated, and can be used in a broad population of patients. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of efgartigimod (ARGX-113), a human IgG1 antibody Fc fragment engineered to reduce pathogenic IgG autoantibody levels, in patients with generalised myasthenia gravis. METHODS ADAPT was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial done at 56 neuromuscular academic and community centres in 15 countries in North America, Europe, and Japan. Patients aged at least 18 years with generalised myasthenia gravis were eligible to participate in the study, regardless of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody status, if they had a Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score of at least 5 (>50% non-ocular), and were on a stable dose of at least one treatment for generalised myasthenia gravis. Patients were randomly assigned by interactive response technology (1:1) to efgartigimod (10 mg/kg) or matching placebo, administered as four infusions per cycle (one infusion per week), repeated as needed depending on clinical response no sooner than 8 weeks after initiation of the previous cycle. Patients, investigators, and clinical site staff were all masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was proportion of acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive patients who were MG-ADL responders (≥2-point MG-ADL improvement sustained for ≥4 weeks) in the first treatment cycle. The primary analysis was done in the modified intention-to-treat population of all acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive patients who had a valid baseline MG-ADL assessment and at least one post-baseline MG-ADL assessment. The safety analysis included all randomly assigned patients who received at least one dose or part dose of efgartigimod or placebo. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03669588); an open-label extension is ongoing (ADAPT+, NCT03770403). FINDINGS Between Sept 5, 2018, and Nov 26, 2019, 167 patients (84 in the efgartigimod group and 83 in the placebo group) were enrolled, randomly assigned, and treated. 129 (77%) were acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive. Of these patients, more of those in the efgartigimod group were MG-ADL responders (44 [68%] of 65) in cycle 1 than in the placebo group (19 [30%] of 64), with an odds ratio of 4·95 (95% CI 2·21-11·53, p<0·0001). 65 (77%) of 84 patients in the efgartigimod group and 70 (84%) of 83 in the placebo group had treatment-emergent adverse events, with the most frequent being headache (efgartigimod 24 [29%] vs placebo 23 [28%]) and nasopharyngitis (efgartigimod ten [12%] vs placebo 15 [18%]). Four (5%) efgartigimod-treated patients and seven (8%) patients in the placebo group had a serious adverse event. Three patients in each treatment group (4%) discontinued treatment during the study. There were no deaths. INTERPRETATION Efgartigimod was well tolerated and efficacious in patients with generalised myasthenia gravis. The individualised dosing based on clinical response was a unique feature of ADAPT, and translation to clinical practice with longer term safety and efficacy data will be further informed by the ongoing open-label extension. FUNDING argenx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Vera Bril
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tuan Vu
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Chafic Karam
- Penn Neuroscience Center-Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stojan Peric
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Temur Margania
- Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, New Hospitals, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Hiroyuki Murai
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan
| | - Malgorzata Bilinska
- Department and Clinic of Neurology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Marek Smilowski
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Jan Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Octaviana F, Yugo HP, Safri AY, Indrawati LA, Wiratman W, Ayuningtyas T, Hakim M. Case series: COVID-19 in patients with mild to moderate myasthenia gravis in a National Referral Hospital in Indonesia. eNeurologicalSci 2021; 23:100332. [PMID: 33644426 PMCID: PMC7898972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2021.100332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) are most likely to be affected by this situation. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressant agents increase the risk of severe infection. Furthermore, viral infection and some medications in COVID-19 may exacerbate MG symptoms. CASE DESCRIPTION We presented three patients with MG who contracted COVID-19. All of the patients had a favourable outcome. Only one patient who was not treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressant therapy experienced deterioration of MG symptoms, while the other patients who received immunosuppressant therapy did not develop MG exacerbation. Surprisingly, azithromycin did not provoke myasthenic crisis (MC) in patients with normal MGFA classification. CONCLUSION Using immunosuppressant agents may not lead to MG deterioration and may not be related to unfavourable outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fitri Octaviana
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
- Cipto Mangunkusomo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Hardito Puspo Yugo
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
- Cipto Mangunkusomo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Yanuar Safri
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
- Cipto Mangunkusomo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Luh Ari Indrawati
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
- Cipto Mangunkusomo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Winnugroho Wiratman
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
- Cipto Mangunkusomo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Triana Ayuningtyas
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
- Cipto Mangunkusomo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Manfaluthy Hakim
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
- Cipto Mangunkusomo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Živković SA, Gruener G, Narayanaswami P. Doctor-Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Infection and immunization in individuals with neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve 2021; 63:294-303. [PMID: 33471383 PMCID: PMC8013955 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The clinical course of neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) can be affected by infections, both in immunocompetent individuals, and in those with reduced immunocompetence due to immunosuppressive/immunomodulating therapies. Infections and immunizations may also trigger NMDs. There is a potential for reduced efficacy of immunizations in patients with reduced immunocompetence. The recent vaccination program for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) raises several questions regarding the safety and efficacy of this vaccine in individuals with NMDs. In this Practice Topic article, we address the role of vaccine-preventable infections in NMDs and the safety and efficacy of immunization in individuals with NMDs, with emphasis on vaccination against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sasha A. Živković
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Gregory Gruener
- Department of Neurology, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Pushpa Narayanaswami
- Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kassardjian C, Widdifield J, Paterson JM, Kopp A, Nagamuthu C, Barnett C, Tu K, Breiner A. Fracture Risk in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Population-Based Cohort Study. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:625-632. [PMID: 33554923 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prednisone is a common treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG), and osteoporosis is a known potential risk of chronic prednisone therapy. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate the risk of serious fractures in a population-based cohort of MG patients. METHODS An inception cohort of patients with MG was identified from administrative health data in Ontario, Canada between April 1, 2002 and December 31, 2015. For each MG patient, we matched 4 general population comparators based on age, sex, and region of residence. Fractures were identified through emergency department and hospitalization data. Crude overall rates and sex-specific rates of fractures were calculated for the MG and comparator groups, as well as rates of specific fractures. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox regression. RESULTS Among 3,823 incident MG patients (followed for a mean of 5 years), 188 (4.9%) experienced a fracture compared with 741 (4.8%) fractures amongst 15,292 matched comparators. Crude fracture rates were not different between the MG cohort and matched comparators (8.71 vs. 7.98 per 1000 patient years), overall and in men and women separately. After controlling for multiple covariates, MG patients had a significantly lower risk of fracture than comparators (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.88). CONCLUSIONS In this large, population-based cohort of incident MG patients, MG patients were at lower risk of a major fracture than comparators. The reasons for this finding are unclear but may highlight the importance osteoporosis prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Kassardjian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Neurology Quality and Innovation Lab, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Widdifield
- Holland Bone & Joint Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Michael Paterson
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Carolina Barnett
- Ellen and Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Tu
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, North York General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ari Breiner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed health systems to their limit and forced readjustment of standards of care for different pathologies. Management of neuromuscular diseases becomes a challenge since most of them are chronic, disabling, progressive, and/or require immunosuppressive drugs. There are three main aspects of COVID-19 that affect neuromuscular diseases care. The first one relates to how SARS-CoV2 directly affects different neuromuscular pathologies. Respiratory weakness, as seen in myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and myopathies, and the use of immunomodulatory drugs (Myasthenia Gravis and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) make this group of patients potentially more vulnerable. Secondly, safety measures also affect proper care, limiting care continuity, and physical rehabilitation (one of the essential aspects of myopathies treatment). Telemedicine can partially solve the problem allowing for a continuum of close care, avoiding unnecessary visits, and even guaranteeing the attention of professionals from tertiary care centers. However, one of the crucial steps in neuromuscular diseases is diagnosis, and in most scenarios, more than one face-to-face visit is needed. Lastly, the global COVID-19 situation will also have an economic impact on patients and their families. This situation is of particular concern given that neuromuscular diseases already present difficulties due to the scarcity of resources in terms of public healthcare and research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Angel Rubio
- Neuromuscular Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|