Autoimmune Conditions: Myasthenia Gravis

Question 1

an autoimmune disease that attacks the connections between nerves and muscles, resulting in

Answer 1

weak skeletal muscles (eyes, fave, neck, limbs)

Question 2

In most cases, the body targets the ___ receptor

Answer 2

ACh receptor

Question 3

What are the symptoms?

Answer 3

changes to the eyes/vision, drooping eyelid (ptosis), problems with swallowing and weakness in the jaw and neck

*affects more women than men - avg onset is 28

Question 4

What are the drugs that can worsen myasthenia gravis?

Answer 4

antibiotics - AG, quinolone

Mg salts

select antiarrhythmics

BB and CCB

select antipsychotics

muscle relaxants

local anesthetics

Question 5

What is the mainstay of treatment in myasthenia gravis?

Answer 5

cholinesterase inhibitors, specially pyridostigmine

Question 6

what is used for symptom control?

Answer 6

immunosuppressants

Question 7

Severe cases require treatment with

Answer 7

plasmapheresis or IVIG or even thymectomy (removal of thymus gland)

Question 8

Cholinesterase inhibitors block the breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase, which improves:

Answer 8

neuromuscular transmission and increases muscle strength

Question 9

Brand: Mestinon

Answer 9

generic: pyridostigmine

cholinergic effects (salivation, lacrimation, excessive urination, diarrhea)