Lecture 6: Disorders of the Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ)

Question 1

Which 2 HLA haplotypes are seen with high frequency in Myasthenia Gravis?

Answer 1

HLA-B8 and DR3

Question 2

What is tx for Myasthenia Gravis pt’s in crisis or prior to undergoing surgery to avoid crisis?

Answer 2

IVIg / plasma exchange

Question 3

Which drug can cause a disorder identical to Myasthenia Gravis?

Answer 3

D-penicillamine

Question 4

Which antibodies are seen in about 40% of Myasthenia Gravis pt’s with no detectable anti-AChR Ab’s?

Answer 4

MUSK (muscle specific tyrosine kinase) Ab’s