Myasthenia gravis and the elderly

Journal article

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction resulting in fluctuating, fatiguing weakness. It can affect people of any age, sex and ethnicity. It has been observed that the incidence and prevalence of MG in older patients has been increasing. As a result, the typical myasthenia clinic now has a substantial portion of elderly patients, both newly diagnosed late onset MG (LOMG) and with longstanding early onset MG (EOMG). The management of these patients brings specific challenges less often seen in younger populations. The differential diagnoses vary, the risks of treatments can be greater with less evidence supporting their use, and increasing polypharmacy requires particular caution and awareness of possible interactions. In this article, we review the approaches and considerations needed when diagnosing and managing the elderly patient with MG.

Authors: Ashraghi, MR; Leite, MI

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Whitehouse Publishing (UK)
• Journal: Advances in Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 10-13
• Publication date: 2024-01-01
• DOI: 10.47795/KXJY9725
• EISSN: 2397-267X
• ISSN: 1473-9348
• Language: English
• Keywords: polypharmacy; neuromuscular junction; late-onset myasthenia gravis; myasthenia gravis; differential diagnosis; treatment risks; early-onset myasthenia gravis; diagnosis; autoimmune disease; elderly patients; drug interactions