Clinical Predictors for the Prognosis of Myasthenia Gravis in Egyptian patients

Abstract

Abstract Background The clinical course of myasthenia gravis (MG) is variable, and spontaneous remission is still not common as well as predictors and prognostic factors for relapse or secondary generalization of ocular myasthenia gravis remain deficiently clear. In this study we attempt to explore clinical predictors for the Myasthenia Gravis prognosis for better recognition of the disease course and effective management. Objective Determine clinical predictors for the prognosis of myasthenia gravis. Patients and Methods This case control study was conducted on sixty Myasthenia Gravis patients (30 relapsed and 30 non-relapsed). They were recruited from Neuromuscular Clinic at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Results Late onset of the disease (Age>40) was more evident in the relapsed group on the other hand the non-relapsed group showed Early age of onset. Patients showing higher MGFA classification in the disease activity showed higher risk of relapse. Majority of patients with Thymus pathology (thymoma and Thymus hyperplasia) were among the relapsed group. Conclusion Thymus hyperplasia and thymoma were risk factors that could contribute to MG relapse. Age of disease onset and MGFA classification are a significant predictor of MG relapse.