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Myasthenia gravis in the elderly: a hospital based study
G Antonini1, S Morino, F Gragnani
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Myasthenia gravis (MG) in older adults presents differently, with more males affected and fewer ocular forms. Aged patients with MG show good response to corticosteroid therapy and have favorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions.
- Understanding MG in elderly populations is crucial due to unique clinical presentations and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of myasthenia gravis in patients over 60 years old.
- To identify specific features of late-onset myasthenia gravis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 122 myasthenia gravis patients from 1968-1994.
- Exclusion of congenital, neonatal, and drug-induced myasthenia.
- Analysis of demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, disease progression, and treatment response.
Main Results:
- 20% of patients were over 60 years old, with a male predominance (3:2 ratio).
- Ocular MG was less frequent (20%), and thymic changes on CT were noted in 14%.
- Ocular MG progressed to generalized MG in 60% within five years; 40% became asymptomatic, and 60% improved with medication.
Conclusions:
- Late-onset myasthenia gravis is more common in males, with a lower incidence of ocular forms and thymomas.
- Ocular myasthenia gravis in older adults has a high rate of progression.
- Aged patients with myasthenia gravis demonstrate a good response to corticosteroid therapy and favorable long-term outcomes.