Italian recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis

Amelia Evoli Stampanoni-B, Giovanni Antonini, Carlo Antozzi, Antonio Dimuzio, Francesco Habetswallner, Cesare Iani, Maurizio Inghilleri, Rocco Liguori, Renato Mantegazza, Roberto Massa, Elena Pegoraro, Roberta Ricciardi, Carmelo Rodolico

Risultato della ricerca: Contributo in rivistaArticolo in rivista

14 Citazioni (Scopus)

Abstract

Abstract Myasthenia gravis is a well-treatable disease, in which a prompt diagnosis and an adequate management can achieve satisfactory control of symptoms in the great majority of patients. Improved knowledge of the disease pathogenesis has led to recognition of patient subgroups, according to associated antibodies, age at onset and thymus pathology, and to a more personalized treatment. When myasthenia gravis is suspected on clinical grounds, diagnostic confirmation relies mainly on the detection of specific antibodies. Neurophysiological studies and, to a lesser extent, clinical response to cholinesterase inhibitors support the diagnosis in seronegative patients. In these cases, the differentiation from congenital myasthenia can be challenging. Treatment planning must consider weakness extension and severity, disease subtype, thymus pathology, together with patient characteristics and comorbidities. Since most subjects with myasthenia gravis require long-term immunosuppressive therapy, surveillance of expected and potential adverse events is critical. For patients refractory to conventional immunosuppression, the use of biologic agents is highly promising. These recommendations are addressed to non-experts on neuromuscular transmission disorders. The diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches hereafter described are largely accessible in Italy.
Lingua originaleEnglish
pagine (da-a)1111-1124-1124
RivistaNeurological Sciences
Volume40
DOI
Stato di pubblicazionePubblicato - 2019

Keywords

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive therapy
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Plasma exchange
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Rituximab
  • Thymectomy

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