Myasthenia Gravis Flashcards
what is myasthenia gravis?
autoimmune disorder resulting in insufficient functioning acetylcholine receptors
what antibodies are seen inmyasthenia gravis?
antibodies to acetylycholine receptors
seen in 85-90%
what is the key feature of myasthenia gravis?
muscle fatigability
muscles become progressively weaker during periods of activity and slowly improve after periods of rest
what are the features of myasthenia gravis?
- extraocular muscle weakness –> diplopia
- proxmial muscle weakness
- ptosis
- dysphagia
what conditions is myasthenia gravis associated with?
- thymomas
- autoimmune disorders
- thymic hyperplasia
what investigations are done inmyasthenia gravis?
- single fibre electromyography
- CT thorax to exclude thymoma
- CK normal
- antibodies to acetylcholine receptors
- tensilon test
what is the management of myasthenia gravis?
pyridostigmine
long-actiing acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
do patients wtih myasthenia gravis require immunosuppression?
not usually at diagnosis. most patients eventually require it
1. prednisolone
2. azathioprine, cyclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil
what is the management of myasthenia gravis?
- long-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- immunosuppresion
- themectomy
what is the management of myasthenic crisis?
- plasmapheresis
- IV immunoglobulins
