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Incidence and prevalence of myasthenia gravis in the United States: A claims-based analysis
Ema Rodrigues1, Emeka Umeh2, Aishwarya3
1Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Introduction/Aims:
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular disorder with geographically variable prevalence and incidence rates. A global trend of increasing prevalence of MG has been observed in the last few decades, and this study aimed to assess the current prevalence and incidence rates of MG in the United States.
Methods:
Data were extracted from the Clarivate Real-World Data Repository (2016-2021), a US claims and electronic health records database. The prevalence and incidence of MG were calculated for the year 2021 for males and females who were <2, 2-5, 6-11, 12-17, 18-49, 50-64, and ≥65 years of age, using population estimates from the US Census.
Results:
The diagnosed prevalence and incidence of MG in the United States in 2021 were calculated to be 37.0 per 100,000 persons and 3.1 per 100,000 persons, respectively. While the incidence and prevalence of MG increased with age in both men and women, higher prevalence and incidence of MG were observed in younger women (<50 years) compared with men of matching age, and in older men (≥65 years) compared with women of the same age group.
Discussion:
The updated prevalence and incidence of MG in the United States in 2021 are higher than previous reports from the 1980s and early 2000s, following a global trend of increased prevalence and incidence for this disorder in the last few decades.
Insights
The prevalence and incidence of myasthenia gravis (MG) in the US are increasing, with 2021 rates at 37.0 and 3.1 per 100,000 people, respectively. These figures are higher than in previous decades, indicating a growing trend for this neuromuscular disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular disorder with varying global prevalence and incidence.
- Recent decades have seen an observed global increase in MG prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current prevalence and incidence rates of myasthenia gravis (MG) in the United States.
- To analyze age and sex-specific trends in MG prevalence and incidence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Clarivate Real-World Data Repository (2016-2021), including US claims and electronic health records.
- Calculated MG prevalence and incidence for 2021 across various age groups and sexes.
- Employed US Census population estimates for accurate rate calculations.
Main Results:
- The diagnosed prevalence of MG in the US in 2021 was 37.0 per 100,000 persons.
- The incidence of MG in the US in 2021 was 3.1 per 100,000 persons.
- Prevalence and incidence increased with age, with notable differences observed between younger women and older men compared to their counterparts.
Conclusions:
- Updated 2021 US prevalence and incidence rates for MG are higher than previous reports from the 1980s and early 2000s.
- These findings align with a global trend of increasing MG prevalence and incidence over the past few decades.
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