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Myasthenia gravis in South Trinidad
J Maharaj1, S Bahadursingh2, K Ramcharan2
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA. jaisri.maharaj@gmail.com.
The West Indian Medical Journal
|April 24, 2014
Summary
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is more prevalent in Africans than East Indians in South Trinidad. This neurological disorder significantly impacts patients' quality of life, requiring better health planning.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular junction disease.
- No prior research on MG prevalence or characteristics in Trinidad and Tobago exists.
- This study addresses the knowledge gap in South Trinidad.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) in South Trinidad.
- To characterize the clinical presentation and demographics of MG patients in the region.
Main Methods:
- A 30-month cross-sectional study was conducted in South Trinidad.
- Data collection involved patient identification, interviews, and statistical analysis.
- Prevalence was estimated using a point prevalence calculation.
Main Results:
- The point prevalence of MG in South Trinidad was estimated at 78 per million in 2010.
- Africans exhibited a significantly higher prevalence (178 per million) compared to East Indians (68 per million).
- Ocular and extremity muscle weakness were common initial symptoms; 25.7% had co-existing autoimmune conditions.
Conclusions:
- MG in South Trinidad shares similarities with international data but shows a unique higher prevalence in Africans.
- Further research is needed to understand the ethnic disparity in MG prevalence.
- MG negatively impacts patients' quality of life, highlighting the need for improved healthcare planning.
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