Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
10:31
Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies
Published on: October 25, 2018
12.8K
Corticosteroid-induced Cushingoid Appearance in Myasthenia Gravis
Akiyuki Uzawa1, Shigeaki Suzuki2, Satoshi Kuwabara1
1Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|June 4, 2025
Summary
Corticosteroid use in myasthenia gravis (MG) is linked to Cushingoid appearance. Reducing high-dose and long-term prednisolone may improve patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Corticosteroids are primary immunosuppressants for myasthenia gravis (MG).
- Cushingoid appearance is a known side effect, but its link to corticosteroid use in MG requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and severity of Cushingoid appearance in MG patients.
- To explore the relationship between corticosteroid (prednisolone) usage and Cushingoid appearance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1,321 MG patients from the Japanese MG registry study 2021.
- Evaluation of Cushingoid appearance severity using the Cushingoid Appearance Index.
- Multivariate regression and decision tree analyses to identify correlations and risks.
Main Results:
- Cushingoid appearance rates were 36.4% at survey and 62.0% at peak.
- Current Cushingoid Appearance Index correlated with current prednisolone dose, duration of >10 mg/day use, and female sex.
- Index decreased with dose reduction and correlated with reduced quality of life (MG-QoL15-revised score).
Conclusions:
- Elucidated the direct relationship between corticosteroid treatment and Cushingoid appearance in MG.
- Suggests avoiding high-dose and long-term corticosteroid use to enhance patient quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
2.8K
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
2.8K
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
1.9K
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
1.9K
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
1.7K
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
1.7K
01:26Chemical Synapses
11.3K
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
11.3K
01:26Chemical Synapses
4.4K
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
4.4K
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
2.9K
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
2.9K