Myasthenia gravis
RSS feedA comparison focusing on thymic histology between different cohorts of myasthenia gravis
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 … [Read more]
Real-life study confirms the place of eculizumab in myasthenia gravis
The retrospective multicentre ELEVATE study in the United States involved 14 myologists and neurologists who prescribed eculizumab to 119 of their patients suffering from Myasthenia Gravis, with anti-RACh in 97% of cases. This drug, prescribed most often for inadequate symptom control (82%) or poor tolerance of treatment (40%), resulted in: a significant reduction in the … [Read more]
Does thymectomy have harmful long-term consequences?
A retrospective study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine has raised the question of an increased long-term risk, in terms of cancer, autoimmune disease and mortality, after thymectomy as part of cardiothoracic surgery. In Neurology, international specialists in myasthenia (including a researcher from the Institute of Myology) and cardiothoracic surgery review what … [Read more]
n myasthenia gravis, thymectomy for thymoma gives good neurological results after the age of 65
A retrospective study carried out in two Italian expert centres in 66 patients aged over 65 with autoimmune myasthenia with thymoma, without anti-MuSK, showed : significant neurological improvement after thymectomy in 88% of patients, corresponding to a post-intervention MGFA status of stable complete remission (6% of cases), pharmacological remission (16.7%) or minimal manifestations (65.2%), no … [Read more]
Hair dye implicated in myasthenic attacks
A 43-year-old woman was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis after a myasthenic crisis requiring intubation, intravenous immunoglobulins and corticosteroids. Taking pyridostigmine 60mg twice a day, she had another myasthenic attack three months later with fatigue, shortness of breath and headaches for a fortnight. Two weeks before each attack, the patient had dyed her hair red the … [Read more]
 First-line rituximab as effective alone as in combination with corticosteroids in myasthenia gravis
The Nice University Hospital conducted a single–centre retrospective study based on data from 68 patients treated in thefirst line with rituximab for a generalised form of myasthenia gravis. It was severe in more than half the cases (MGFA score greater than or equal to 3) and with anti-MuSK autoantibodies in 4.76% of cases. In this cohort … [Read more]
 A benefit-risk balance against anticholinesterase drugs in anti-MusK myasthenia gravis
Autoimmune myasthenia with anti-MuSK autoantibodies (about 8% of patients) has a unique phenotype, as does its response to treatment, particularly anticholinesterase drugs. The results of a retrospective study carried out in Italy on 202 patients followed up at an expert center demonstrate this: 81.6% of them were already on anticholinesterase medication prior to admission, of … [Read more]
Characteristics of juvenile myasthenia gravis – Interview with FrĂ©dĂ©rique Truffaut
FrĂ©dĂ©rique Truffaut works in the Myasthenia Gravis: etiology, pathophysiology & therapeutic approach team headed by Rozen Le Panse, within the Institute’s Center of Research in Myology. She has just published an article* in Science Reports on the specific features of juvenile myasthenia compared with myasthenia in adults. In what context did you carry out this … [Read more]
An indirect comparison of two innovative compounds in the treatment of myasthenia gravis
Efgartigimod (Vyvgart®) and ravulizumab (Ultomiris®) are two new-generation monoclonal antibodies, anti-FcRN and anti-C5 respectively, designed to treat refractory forms of generalised autoimmune myasthenia with positive autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor. German clinicians have attempted to compare their efficacy and safety indirectly: the results of the two main studies of one (ADAPT trial) and the other … [Read more]
Belgian recommendations for the management of myasthenia gravis
Following the sharing of experience in the field, and in view of the very rapid development of innovative therapies, Belgian clinicians have drawn up national recommendations for the management of patients suffering from myasthenia gravis : these recommendations were drawn up in February 2024 and cover both generalised myasthenia and ocular myasthenia, they take into … [Read more]
