tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Neurol Sci
. 2022 Jan 18.
doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05823-w. Online ahead of print.
Myasthenia gravis exacerbation and myasthenic crisis associated with COVID-19: case series and literature review
Cleonisio Leite Rodrigues[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Hermany Capistrano de Freitas[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Paulo Reges Oliveira Lima[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Pedro Helder de Oliveira Junior[SUP] 2 [/SUP], José Marcelino Aragão Fernandes[SUP] 2 [/SUP], José Artur Costa D'Almeida[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Paulo Ribeiro Nóbrega[SUP] 3 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction that can be exacerbated by many viral infections, including COVID-19. The management of MG exacerbations is challenging in this scenario. We report 8 cases of MG exacerbation or myasthenic crisis associated with COVID-19 and discuss prognosis and treatment based on a literature review.
Results: Most patients were female (7/8), with an average age of 47.1 years. Treatment was immunoglobulin (IVIG) in 3 patients, plasma exchange (PLEX) in 2 patients, and adjustment of baseline drugs in 3. In-hospital mortality was 25% and 37.5% in 2-month follow-up.
Discussion: This is the largest case series of MG exacerbation or myasthenic crisis due to COVID-19 to this date. Mortality was considerably higher than in myasthenic crisis of other etiologies. Previous treatment for MG or acute exacerbation treatment did not seem to interfere with prognosis, although sample size was too small to draw definitive conclusions. Further studies are needed to understand the safety and effectiveness of interventions in this setting, particularly of PLEX, IVIG, rituximab, and tocilizumab.
Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Myasthenia gravis; Myasthenic crisis; Neurological symptoms; Neuromuscular junction diseases.
. 2022 Jan 18.
doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05823-w. Online ahead of print.
Myasthenia gravis exacerbation and myasthenic crisis associated with COVID-19: case series and literature review
Cleonisio Leite Rodrigues[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Hermany Capistrano de Freitas[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Paulo Reges Oliveira Lima[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Pedro Helder de Oliveira Junior[SUP] 2 [/SUP], José Marcelino Aragão Fernandes[SUP] 2 [/SUP], José Artur Costa D'Almeida[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Paulo Ribeiro Nóbrega[SUP] 3 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 35039987
- DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05823-w
Abstract
Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction that can be exacerbated by many viral infections, including COVID-19. The management of MG exacerbations is challenging in this scenario. We report 8 cases of MG exacerbation or myasthenic crisis associated with COVID-19 and discuss prognosis and treatment based on a literature review.
Results: Most patients were female (7/8), with an average age of 47.1 years. Treatment was immunoglobulin (IVIG) in 3 patients, plasma exchange (PLEX) in 2 patients, and adjustment of baseline drugs in 3. In-hospital mortality was 25% and 37.5% in 2-month follow-up.
Discussion: This is the largest case series of MG exacerbation or myasthenic crisis due to COVID-19 to this date. Mortality was considerably higher than in myasthenic crisis of other etiologies. Previous treatment for MG or acute exacerbation treatment did not seem to interfere with prognosis, although sample size was too small to draw definitive conclusions. Further studies are needed to understand the safety and effectiveness of interventions in this setting, particularly of PLEX, IVIG, rituximab, and tocilizumab.
Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Myasthenia gravis; Myasthenic crisis; Neurological symptoms; Neuromuscular junction diseases.