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Myasthenia gravis and elderly people
F Schon1, M Drayson, R A Thompson
1Department of Neurology, Atkinson Morley's Hospital, Copse Hill, Wimbledon, London SW20 0NE UK.
Age and Ageing
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Myasthenia gravis incidence is higher than previously thought, with new cases more common in older adults. This suggests a need for increased awareness and diagnostic focus on elderly populations for this neuromuscular disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions.
- Previous estimates of MG incidence may have underestimated its prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current annual incidence of myasthenia gravis in a specific geographic area.
- To investigate the age distribution of newly diagnosed myasthenia gravis patients and acetylcholine receptor antibody assays.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a prospective study to ascertain new cases of myasthenia gravis in Croydon over seven years.
- Analyzed demographic data, focusing on age at diagnosis.
- Reviewed data on acetylcholine receptor antibody assay results and their age distribution.
Main Results:
- The annual incidence of myasthenia gravis in Croydon was found to be 9.1 per million population.
- A significant proportion of newly diagnosed patients (59%) were over 60 years old.
- Acetylcholine receptor antibody assays showed an increasing percentage of positive results in individuals aged 60 and above over time, with a peak incidence in the 70-80 age group.
Conclusions:
- Myasthenia gravis incidence is higher than previously reported.
- The disease disproportionately affects older adults, particularly those over 60.
- There is a notable increase in myasthenia gravis diagnoses among the elderly population.