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Myasthenia gravis - early diagnosis and current treatment options

Publication |
2021

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease with the production of antibodies on the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, most often against the acetylcholine receptor. It's manifested by muscle weakness and fatigue.

Diagnosis consists of a thorough neurological examination focusing on latent or overt weakness of predilection affecting muscle, electrophysiological, computed tomography (CT) examination of the mediastinum and investigation of autoantibodies. Treatment is symptomatic or causal, consisting of the administration of immunosuppressants and either long-term or acute to affect emergencies.

Some medicines can make the disease worse. In recent years, biologic therapy has been introduced for refractory forms of the disease.