Autoimmunity Flashcards
what characterises myasthenia gravis?
severe muscular weakness
progressive fatigue
what is the pathophysiology behind myasthenia gravis?
auto-IgG antibodies bind with ACh receptors on muscle cells, ultimately destroying these receptors
what causes myasthenia gravis?
most cases unknown
thymic tumours
what is the genetic risk factor for myasthenia gravis?
HLA associations
what muscles are commonly affected first in myasthenia gravis?
ocular muscles
when can myasthenia gravis often first appear?
pregnancy
post partum
after administration of some anaesthetic agents
how is myasthenia gravis diagnosed?
bloods
repetitive nerve stimulation
what is seen on bloods in myasthenia gravis?
presence of anti-AChR IgG
what indicates myasthenia gravis in nerve stimulation?
gradually reducing responses
what is the first line management of symptoms in myasthenia gravis?
anti cholinesterase agents
what is the first line management of myasthenia gravis due to thymic tumours?
thymectomy
what is the second line treatment for myasthenia gravis?
immunosuppression
what is seen on lab tests of RA?
rheumatoid factor
anti-CCP
what is the first line treatment for RA?
immunosuppression - DMARDs
what is the second line treatment for RA?
biologics
