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Seasonal variation in myasthenia gravis incidence

Silvia Falso1, Pietro Zara2, Sofia Marini1

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.

Journal of Neuroimmunology
|January 12, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Myasthenia gravis (MG) onset may be linked to summer and higher temperatures. Further research into these environmental factors could illuminate the disease

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Environmental Epidemiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

  • Environmental factors are suspected contributors to myasthenia gravis (MG) development.
  • Seasonal patterns in exposure suggest a potential link, but its impact on MG incidence is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between seasonality and the onset of myasthenia gravis.
  • To explore the relationship between environmental temperature and MG incidence.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of MG patients with acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-IgG.
  • Data from two Italian cohorts (hospital-based and population-based) from 2010-2019.
  • MG cases were categorized by season-trimester of onset to assess seasonal incidence.

Main Results:

  • 316 MG patients were analyzed (214 hospital-based, 102 population-based).
  • A significantly higher incidence of MG cases was observed during summer season-trimesters (p=0.009).
  • MG onset showed a positive association with higher environmental temperatures.

Conclusions:

  • Myasthenia gravis onset appears more prevalent during summer months.
  • Higher environmental temperatures may be associated with an increased risk of MG onset.
  • Understanding these environmental determinants is crucial for advancing MG pathophysiology insights.
Keywords:
AChR-IgGEpidemiologyOnsetPresentationRisk

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