Myasthenia gravis.
Nat Rev Dis Primers
; 5(1): 30, 2019 05 02.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31048702
ABSTRACT
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) or other AChR-related proteins in the postsynaptic muscle membrane. Localized or general muscle weakness is the predominant symptom and is induced by the antibodies. Patients are grouped according to the presence of antibodies, symptoms, age at onset and thymus pathology. Diagnosis is straightforward in most patients with typical symptoms and a positive antibody test, although a detailed clinical and neurophysiological examination is important in antibody-negative patients. MG therapy should be ambitious and aim for clinical remission or only mild symptoms with near-normal function and quality of life. Treatment should be based on MG subgroup and includes symptomatic treatment using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, thymectomy and immunotherapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are fast-acting treatments used for disease exacerbations, and intensive care is necessary during exacerbations with respiratory failure. Comorbidity is frequent, particularly in elderly patients. Active physical training should be encouraged.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Myasthenia Gravis
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Aspects:
Patient_preference
Language:
En
Journal:
Nat Rev Dis Primers
Year:
2019
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Noruega