In order to study immune disorders in autoimmune myasthenia gravis, a recent study compared 86 patients with the disease and 90 hospitalized controls, matched for age and gender and assessed using the ICIQ-UI SF (urinary incontinence) and OABSS (overactive bladder) questionnaires.
- The prevalence of urinary incontinence was significantly higher in patients with autoimmune myasthenia gravis (52.3%) than in controls (12.2%).
- The highest prevalence was found in patients with late-onset disease (63.2%). The median time to onset of urinary incontinence was 3.8 years compared to 19.5 years in cases of early-onset disease.
- One-third of patients suffered from severe incontinence compared to 2.2% of controls.
- Stress urinary incontinence was also more common and symptoms of overactive bladder were more severe in myasthenia gravis.
- The severity of myasthenia gravis (MG-ADL score) is a predictor of urinary incontinence.
- Studies have shown that myasthenia gravis can cause weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, which could explain urinary disorders.
It is essential to look for symptoms of urinary disorders during clinical evaluation in order to offer appropriate care to patients.
