Correlation between Cardiovascular Autonomic and Pulmonary Ventilation Functions in Myasthenia Gravis Patients

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder affecting voluntary muscle function.
• Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is increasingly recognized in MG patients.
• The relationship between pulmonary function and cardiac autonomic function in MG requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pulmonary function parameters and cardiac autonomic function in clinically stable myasthenia gravis patients.
• To explore correlations between autonomic function, pulmonary mechanics, and disease severity in MG.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 22 MG patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs).
• Assessed pulmonary function (e.g., FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, DLCO), heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and cardiovascular autonomic function tests (Valsalva ratio, E/I ratio).

Main Results:

• MG patients exhibited lower FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, BRS, and HRV compared to HCs.
• A higher percentage of abnormal cardiovagal function tests was observed in MG patients (p < 0.05).
• Lower BRS correlated with worse clinical outcomes and reduced pulmonary function (DLCO%pred, TLC%pred). Age, FVC, and TLC predicted the E/I ratio.

Conclusions:

• Clinically stable MG patients demonstrate a significant relationship between reduced pulmonary ventilation/respiratory mechanics and impaired cardiovascular autonomic parameters (E/I ratio, BRS, HRV).
• Findings highlight the interplay between respiratory and autonomic systems in MG.
• Future research should explore pulmonary rehabilitation to mitigate cardiovascular risk in MG.