Effectiveness of thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: A study of 21 patients

Myasthenia gravis is part of a group of neuromuscular junction disorders. Thymectomy has been shown to be effective for its clinical control. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness and safety of thymectomy in children with myasthenia gravis.

An analytical, retrospective, longitudinal study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 21 patients with myasthenia gravis who underwent thymectomy and were followed-up for one year post-surgery. The variables assessed included the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living score, pyridostigmine dose, corticosteroid dose, and myasthenia gravis exacerbations immediately before and up to one year after the surgery.

The activities of daily living score significantly improved at 12 months (p=0.002). Crises decreased within 3 months post-surgery; this trend was maintained at 12 months (p=0.0003). However, the reductions in pyridostigmine (p=0.147) and corticosteroid therapy (p=0.11) at 12 months did not reach statistical significance.

Thymectomy showed benefits, including improved scores on the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living Scale and a reduction in the frequency of myasthenia gravis exacerbations/crises. These findings show that thymectomy is a safe and valid option to consider for pediatric patients who have not responded to the first-line treatment.