Researchers at the Institute of Myology used a French database to compare early-onset (217) and classic forms of myasthenia (721):
- the files from this database were analysed clinically, immunologically and histologically (data from examination of the thymus when it had been removed),
- juvenile forms of myasthenia were subdivided into two groups according to age of onset, pre- or post-pubertal,
- girls were significantly more numerous in these two groups,
- pre-pubertal forms underwent fewer thymectomies,
- thymic follicular hyperplasia appears to be the preserve of post-pubertal forms.
These data will make it possible to develop more targeted treatment protocols according to age and gender.
