Clinical Experience on 21 Myasthenia Gravis Patients

ABSTRACT

The authors experienced 21 myasthenia gravis patients who were admitted to Kyung Hee University Hospital and Han Yang University Hospital from March 1979 to August 1983. Following results were obtained through treatment and follow up evaluation. 1. There was no sexual difference between male and female, of 21 patients male to female ratio was 1011. The prevalent age group was 20s and 30s. (10 of 21 patients, 47.6%). 2. The most common initial symptom was ptosis (71.4%), followed by diplopia (38.0%), generalized muscle weakness (38.0%), swallowing difficulty(19.0%), Mastication difficulty (9.5%), dysarthria (4.8%), respiratory difficulty (4.8%), in order. 3. Among 21 patients, thymomas were found in 2 patients. (9.5%) 4. According to the modified Osserman's classification, the peak incidence group was IIA (7 cases, 33.3%) then IIB (5 cases, 23.8%). Group III and neonatal type were not seen. 5. In 14 patients (66.6%), diagnosis was made within 1 year after the onset of the symptoms, but the other 7 patients (33.3%) spent more than 1 year for the diagnosis. 6. All patients who received corticosteroid therapy or thymectormy were improved significantly after the treatment. 7. After the discharge, 3 patients (14.3%) make normal life, on the other hand 17 patients (80.9%) are in more or less restricted life.