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Comorbidity in myasthenia gravis: multicentric, hospital-based, and controlled study of 178 Italian patients
Vincenzo Di Stefano1, Salvatore Iacono1, Massimiliano Militello1
1Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Background:
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder with fluctuating weakness that causes significant disability and morbidity. Comorbidities may influence the course of MG, particularly in specific subgroups. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of comorbidities in MG patients compared to healthy controls (HC) and to evaluate their distribution according to age at disease onset, sex, and disease severity.
Methods:
MG patients attending the University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone" in Palermo and "SS Annunziata" Hospital in Chieti were enrolled; HC were enrolled from the general population. Non-parametric statistics and logistic regression were used to assess the association of specific comorbidities according to age at disease onset, sex, disease subtypes, and severity of the disease.
Results:
A total of 356 subjects were included in the study: 178 MG patients (46% F; median age 60 years [51-71]) and 178 sex- and age-matched HC (46% F, median age 59 years [50-66]). Overall, 86% of MG patients and 76% of HC suffered from comorbidities, and MG patients had a higher number of comorbidities compared to HC. Patients with late-onset suffered from more comorbidities than those with early-onset MG. Hypertension was more common in male patients with MG, while thymic hyperplasia, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases were more common in females. Respiratory disorders and thymoma were more common in patients with more severe disease (p < 0.05 for all comparisons).
Conclusion:
MG patients, particularly those with late onset, showed a higher prevalence of comorbidities than HC. Assessment of comorbidities in MG is an essential issue to identify the appropriate treatment and achieve the best management.
Insights
Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, especially those with late-onset disease, experience more comorbidities than healthy individuals. Identifying these co-occurring conditions is crucial for effective MG management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder causing fluctuating muscle weakness and significant disability.
- Comorbidities can impact MG progression, especially in specific patient subgroups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frequency of comorbidities in MG patients versus healthy controls (HC).
- To analyze comorbidity distribution based on age at onset, sex, and disease severity in MG.
Main Methods:
- 178 MG patients and 178 age- and sex-matched HC were enrolled.
- Non-parametric statistics and logistic regression were employed to analyze associations between comorbidities and MG characteristics.
Main Results:
- MG patients (86%) had more comorbidities than HC (76%).
- Late-onset MG patients exhibited higher comorbidity rates.
- Specific comorbidities varied by sex (hypertension in males; thymic hyperplasia, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases in females).
- Respiratory disorders and thymoma were linked to more severe MG.
Conclusions:
- MG patients, particularly late-onset cases, have a higher prevalence of comorbidities.
- Comorbidity assessment is vital for optimal MG treatment and management.
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