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1.
J Clin Neuromuscul Dis ; 22(3): 147-154, 2021 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20238355

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: This update covers recommendations for myasthenia gravis (MG) in patients with coronavirus 2019 disease as well as reports of the clinical features of patients with MG and coronavirus 2019. Updated advisory committee recommendations for the use of thymectomy in generalized MG are also provided. Other MG topics include lipoprotein receptor-4 and agrin antibody associations, factors influencing conversion of ocular to generalized MG, the use of rituximab for more recent onset disease, immunoglobulins for maintenance therapy, and fatigue and depression.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Neuromuscular Junction/pathology , COVID-19/pathology , COVID-19/therapy , Humans , Myasthenia Gravis/drug therapy , Myasthenia Gravis/pathology , Myasthenia Gravis/therapy , Thymectomy
2.
Rev Soc Bras Med Trop ; 56: e0007, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20243659

ABSTRACT

The Cogan's sign is indicative of myasthenia gravis. This is the first report of neurological signs in a patient with post-COVID-19 vaccine-associated myasthenia gravis in Brazil. In this case, a previously healthy 68-year-old woman presented with proximal limb weakness, left ptosis, and diplopia 1 month after receiving her fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Neurological examination revealed the presence of Cogan's sign, and she recovered rapidly after treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of myasthenia gravis associated with the COVID-19 vaccine in Brazil.


Subject(s)
Blepharoptosis , COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Humans , Female , Aged , COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects , COVID-19/complications , Myasthenia Gravis/chemically induced , Myasthenia Gravis/diagnosis , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Blepharoptosis/complications , Blepharoptosis/diagnosis , Blepharoptosis/drug therapy , Diplopia/complications , Diplopia/drug therapy
3.
Front Immunol ; 14: 1141983, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2328204

ABSTRACT

Background: The safety of COVID-19 vaccines has been clarified in clinical trials; however, some immunocompromised patients, such as myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, are still hesitant to receive vaccines. Whether COVID-19 vaccination increases the risk of disease worsening in these patients remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the risk of disease exacerbation in COVID-19-vaccinated MG patients. Methods: The data in this study were collected from the MG database at Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, and the Tertiary Referral Diagnostic Center at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, from 1 April 2022 to 31 October 2022. A self-controlled case series method was applied, and the incidence rate ratios were calculated in the prespecified risk period using conditional Poisson regression. Results: Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines did not increase the risk of disease exacerbation in MG patients with stable disease status. A few patients experienced transient disease worsening, but the symptoms were mild. It is noted that more attention should be paid to thymoma-related MG, especially within 1 week after COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination has no long-term impact on MG relapse.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Thymus Neoplasms , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects , Research Design , Tertiary Care Centers
4.
Neurol Sci ; 44(7): 2239-2245, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2320296

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: There is concern that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine may trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the impacts of COVID-19 vaccination on symptom severity in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS: A total of 106 enrolled patients with MG who were vaccinated against COVID-19 were followed up, and a questionnaire was used to document in detail the exacerbation of muscle weakness after vaccination and all other uncomfortable reactions after vaccination. Demographic, clinical characteristics, medication, and vaccination data were collected by follow-up interview. The main observation outcome was whether the MG symptoms of patients were exacerbated. The definition of exacerbation is according to the subjective feeling of the patient or a 2-point increase in daily life myasthenia gravis activity score relative to before vaccination, within 30 days after vaccination. RESULTS: Of 106 enrolled patients [median age (SD) 41.0 years, 38 (35.8%) men, 53 (50.0%) with generalized MG, 74 (69.8%) positive for acetylcholine receptor antibody, and 21 (19.8%) with accompanying thymoma], muscle weakness symptoms were stable in 102 (96.2%) patients before vaccine inoculation. Muscle weakness worsened in 10 (9.4%) people after vaccination, of which 8 patients reported slight symptom worsening that resolved quickly (within a few days). Two (1.9%) of patients showed serious symptom aggravation that required hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that inactivated virus vaccines against COVID-19 may be safe for patients with MG whose condition is stable. Patients with generalized MG may be more likely to develop increased muscle weakness after vaccination.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Thymus Neoplasms , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/complications , COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects , Muscle Weakness , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Thymus Neoplasms/complications , Vaccination/adverse effects
5.
Neurol India ; 70(5): 1931-1941, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2310951

ABSTRACT

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an immune-mediated disorder of the neuromuscular junction. About 10% are refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. Aims: To analyze the response of patients with generalized MG to rituximab. Methods and Materials: A retrospective review of patients with MG who received rituximab was carried out (n = 13, M:F = 6:7, mean age: 44.84 ± 15.73 years). Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), MGFA post-intervention status (MGFA-PIS), and Myasthenia Gravis Status and Treatment Intensity (MGSTI) were assessed before and after rituximab. Results: The duration of MG was 104.07 ± 92.25 months. Before rituximab, the MGFA was IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB/IVB/V in 1/1/2/6/2/1 patients and MGSTI was four in eight patients and six in three patients. The mean duration of follow up was 20.92 ± 14.06 months (range, 4 to 42 months). Dose reduction or discontinuation of cholinesterase inhibitors could be achieved 12 patients. Complete stable remission (CSR) and pharmacologic remission (PR) were achieved in one and four patients respectively and five patients had minimal manifestations. Most patients attained level 0, 1 or 2 MGSTI at last follow up. No rituximab infusion-related adverse events were noted. Three patients had exacerbation of MG between one to five weeks after rituximab administration. Three patients died, one each due to a cardiac event unrelated to MG or treatment, complications related to myasthenic crisis, and coronavirus disease. Conclusions: Rituximab was effective in bringing about remission in MG and can be considered as a first-line agent. However, it has to be administered under close supervision as some patients develop exacerbation of MG akin to steroid-induced worsening.


Subject(s)
Developing Countries , Myasthenia Gravis , Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Rituximab/therapeutic use , Treatment Outcome , Myasthenia Gravis/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies
6.
Lancet Neurol ; 22(5): 395-406, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2296631

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Generalised myasthenia gravis is a chronic, unpredictable, and debilitating rare disease, often accompanied by high treatment burden and with an unmet need for more efficacious and well tolerated treatments. Zilucoplan is a subcutaneous, self-administered macrocyclic peptide complement C5 inhibitor. We aimed to assess safety, efficacy, and tolerability of zilucoplan in patients with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody (AChR)-positive generalised myasthenia gravis. METHODS: RAISE was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial that was done at 75 sites in Europe, Japan, and North America. We enrolled patients (aged 18-74 years) with AChR-positive generalised myasthenia gravis (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America disease class II-IV), a myasthenia gravis activities of daily living (MG-ADL) score of least 6, and a quantitative myasthenia gravis score of at least 12. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive subcutaneous zilucoplan 0·3 mg/kg once daily by self-injection, or matched placebo, for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to week 12 in MG-ADL score in the modified intention-to-treat population (all randomly assigned patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-dosing MG-ADL score). Safety was mainly assessed by the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in all patients who had received at least one dose of zilucoplan or placebo. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04115293. An open-label extension study is ongoing (NCT04225871). FINDINGS: Between Sept 17, 2019, and Sept 10, 2021, 239 patients were screened for the study, of whom 174 (73%) were eligible. 86 (49%) patients were randomly assigned to zilucoplan 0·3 mg/kg and 88 (51%) were assigned to placebo. Patients assigned to zilucoplan showed a greater reduction in MG-ADL score from baseline to week 12, compared with those assigned to placebo (least squares mean change -4·39 [95% CI -5·28 to -3·50] vs -2·30 [-3·17 to -1·43]; least squares mean difference -2·09 [-3·24 to -0·95]; p=0·0004). TEAEs occurred in 66 (77%) patients in the zilucoplan group and in 62 (70%) patients in the placebo group. The most common TEAE was injection-site bruising (n=14 [16%] in the zilucoplan group and n=8 [9%] in the placebo group). Incidences of serious TEAEs and serious infections were similar in both groups. One patient died in each group; neither death (COVID-19 [zilucoplan] and cerebral haemorrhage [placebo]) was considered related to the study drug. INTERPRETATION: Zilucoplan treatment showed rapid and clinically meaningful improvements in myasthenia gravis-specific efficacy outcomes, had a favourable safety profile, and was well tolerated, with no major safety findings. Zilucoplan is a new potential treatment option for a broad population of patients with AChR-positive generalised myasthenia gravis. The long-term safety and efficacy of zilucoplan is being assessed in an ongoing open-label extension study. FUNDING: UCB Pharma.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Humans , Activities of Daily Living , Myasthenia Gravis/drug therapy , Complement C5/therapeutic use , Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use , Double-Blind Method , Treatment Outcome
7.
JAMA Netw Open ; 6(4): e239834, 2023 04 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2290926

ABSTRACT

Importance: There are limited data regarding COVID-19 outcomes and vaccine uptake and safety among people with myasthenia gravis (MG). Objective: To investigate COVID-19-related outcomes and vaccine uptake among a population-based sample of adults with MG. Design, Setting, and Participants: This population-based, matched cohort study in Ontario, Canada, used administrative health data from January 15, 2020, and August 31, 2021. Adults with MG were identified using a validated algorithm. Each patient was matched by age, sex, and geographic area of residence to 5 controls from the general population and from a cohort of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Exposure: Patients with MG and matched controls. Main Outcomes and Measures: Main outcomes were COVID-19 infection and related hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and 30-day mortality among patients with MG vs controls. Secondary outcomes were uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among patients with MG vs controls. Results: Among 11 365 233 eligible Ontario residents, 4411 patients with MG (mean [SD] age, 67.7 [15.6] years; 2274 women [51.6%]) were matched to 22 055 general population controls (mean [SD] age, 67.7 [15.6] years; 11 370 women [51.6%]) and 22 055 controls with RA (mean [SD] age, 67.7 [15.6] years; 11 370 women [51.6%]). In the matched cohort, 38 861 of 44 110 individuals (88.1%) were urban residents; in the MG cohort, 3901 (88.4%) were urban residents. Between January 15, 2020, and May 17, 2021, 164 patients with MG (3.7%), 669 general population controls (3.0%), and 668 controls with RA (3.0%) contracted COVID-19. Compared with general population controls and controls with RA, patients with MG had higher rates of COVID-19-associated emergency department visits (36.6% [60 of 164] vs 24.4% [163 of 669] vs 29.9% [200 of 668]), hospital admissions (30.5% [50 of 164] vs 15.1% [101 of 669] vs 20.7% [138 of 668]), and 30-day mortality (14.6% [24 of 164] vs 8.5% [57 of 669] vs 9.9% [66 of 668]). By August 2021, 3540 patients with MG (80.3%) vs 17 913 general population controls (81.2%) had received 2 COVID-19 vaccine doses, and 137 (3.1%) vs 628 (2.8%), respectively had received 1 dose. Of 3461 first vaccine doses for patients with MG, fewer than 6 individuals were hospitalized for MG worsening within 30 days of vaccination. Vaccinated patients with MG had a lower risk than unvaccinated patients with MG of contracting COVID-19 (hazard ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.30-0.60). Conclusions and Relevance: This study suggests that adults with MG who contracted COVID-19 had a higher risk of hospitalization and death compared with matched controls. Vaccine uptake was high, with negligible risk of severe MG exacerbations after vaccination, as well as evidence of effectiveness. The findings support public health policies prioritizing people with MG for vaccination and new COVID-19 therapeutics.


Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid , COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Adult , Humans , Female , Aged , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/therapeutic use , Cohort Studies , Vaccination , Myasthenia Gravis/epidemiology , Ontario/epidemiology
8.
Muscle Nerve ; 67(5): 412-416, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2250976

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: There is limited knowledge regarding the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines οn coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease course in people with myasthenia gravis. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 vaccination influences hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 in this population. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of administrative data extracted from the Greek nationwide database that holds the COVID-19 disease and vaccination registry, as well as all medical prescription records. The study period extended from the onset of the pandemic (February 2020) until the 10th of January 2022. RESULTS: We identified 278 people with myasthenia gravis (mean age 58.1 ± 17.2, 47.5% males) who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Of those, 139 (50%) were not vaccinated at the time of infection. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed that the probability of hospitalization increased with age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.058; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.036-1.080; p < .001) and immunosuppressive treatment (OR: 2.872; 95% CI 1.412-5.839; p = .004), and decreased with vaccination (OR: 0.244; 95% CI 0.132-0.453; p < .001). The probability of a fatal outcome increased with age (OR: 1.085; 95% CI 1.043-1.129; p < .001) and decreased with vaccination (OR: 0.315; 95% CI 0.125-0.791; p = .014). DISCUSSION: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination significantly reduces hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 in people with myasthenia gravis. This study regarding the efficacy of these vaccines, together with previous studies regarding their safety, provide evidence to support their use in people with myasthenia gravis.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Male , Humans , Female , COVID-19/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19 Vaccines/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Vaccination , Myasthenia Gravis/epidemiology
9.
Neurol Neurochir Pol ; 57(1): 77-89, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2272845

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Due to a similar pathomechanism, COVID-19 infection may significantly affect the course of autoimmune diseases (AIDs). In our review, we aimed to assess the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, response to treatment, and the impact of COVID-19 infection on the course of the underlying disease in patients with neuroimmune diseases. STATE OF THE ART: In the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was important to determine the influence of COVID-19 infection on the course of autoimmune diseases due to the weakened immune system and immunosuppressive therapies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Many reports have indicated that in patients with AIDs, the existence of the disease is not associated with a worse prognosis in the course of the viral infection. Patients in advanced stages of the disease, elderly patients, and those with comorbidities are at risk of more frequent hospitalisations and higher mortality in the course of COVID-19. Moreover, some drugs used in AIDs have been tested for their efficacy in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Episodes of newly diagnosed myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) secondary to COVID-19 or vaccination have also been reported. Vaccination against this pathogen is highly recommended in most patients with AIDs. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Despite many studies on the association between COVID-19 and neuroimmune diseases, more specific data is needed. The approach to patients with AIDs should be individual, since many issues remain unresolved despite the long-lasting pandemic.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Nervous System Diseases , Neuromyelitis Optica , Humans , Aged , COVID-19/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemics , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Neuromyelitis Optica/complications , Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology
10.
Neuroepidemiology ; 57(2): 121-128, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2286350

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies directed against postsynaptic antigens of the neuromuscular junction. Over the last decades, increasing incidence and prevalence rates have been reported. Epidemiological data on prevalence and incidence in Germany are lacking. Furthermore, the MG treatment landscape is rapidly changing due to the continued approval of novel monoclonal antibodies. METHOD: This is a retrospective study assessing incidence, prevalence, and hospitalization rates of MG as well as treatment patterns in Germany over 10 years based on medical claims data covering 6.1 million insured persons. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2020, the prevalence rate of MG increased from 15.7 to 28.2 per 100,000 person-years. The age-adjusted incidence rate was 2.8 per 100,000 person-years within the study period (95% confidence interval, 2.43-3.22) and decreased dramatically in 2020, the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the hospitalization rate fluctuated within the study period but reached an overall low of 8.3% in 2020 (mean hospitalization rate 11.5%). Treatment patterns showed that most MG patients are treated with base therapy. However, crisis intervention is necessary for 2-5% of MG patients, and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, including rituximab and eculizumab, are increasingly used. CONCLUSION: This is the first study on MG prevalence and incidence rates in Germany. Data show an increase in prevalence by 1.8-fold over 10 years. Decreasing incidence and hospitalization rates in 2020 hint at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Treatment patterns in MG are changing with the advent of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in this indication.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Humans , Incidence , Retrospective Studies , Prevalence , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Myasthenia Gravis/drug therapy , Myasthenia Gravis/epidemiology , Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use , Data Analysis
12.
Front Immunol ; 14: 1132201, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2264701

ABSTRACT

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease with acquired neuromuscular junction transmission disorders. In the last two decades, various pathogenesis, application of immunosuppressive agents, and targeted immunotherapy have been significant events. However, extracting the most critical information from complex events is very difficult to guide clinical work. Therefore, we used bibliometrics to summarize and look forward. Methods: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database was identified as a source of material for obtaining MG-related articles. Scimago Graphica, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and bibliometrix were utilized for bibliometric analysis. Knowledge network graphs were constructed and visualized; countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords were evaluated. In addition, GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Excel 365 were applied for statistical analysis. Results: As of October 25, 2022, 9,970 original MG-related articles were used for the bibliometric analysis; the cumulative number of citations to these articles was 236,987, with an H-index of 201. The United States ranked first in terms of the number of publications (2,877) and H-index (134). Oxford has the highest H-index (67), and Udice French Research University has the highest number of publications (319). The author with the highest average number of citations (66.19), publications (151), and H-index (53) was Vincent A. 28 articles have remained in an explosive period of citations. The final screening yielded predictive keywords related to clinical trials and COVID-19. Conclusion: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 9,970 original MG-related articles published between 1966 and 2022. Ultimately, we found that future MG research hotspots include two major parts: (1) studies directly related to MG disease itself: clinical trials of various targeted biological agents; the relationship between biomarkers and therapeutic decisions, pathogenesis and outcome events, ultimately serving individualized management or precision therapy; (2) studies related to MG and COVID-19: different variants of COVID-19 (e.g., Omicron) on MG adverse outcome events; assessment of the safety of different COVID-19 vaccines for different subtypes of MG.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Humans , COVID-19 Vaccines , Bibliometrics , Databases, Factual
14.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 20(1)2022 12 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2246086

ABSTRACT

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease that is potentially threatening for patient life. Auto-antibodies targeting structures of the neuromuscular junction, particularly the acetylcholine receptor (AchR), are often found in the serum of MG patients. New-onset MG after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has rarely been reported since the introduction of vaccination. Infections and COVID-19 infection have also been reported as possible triggers for a myasthenic crisis. We report a case of new-onset MG after receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The patient was a 73-year-old male initially presenting with ocular symptoms and a rapid generalization. We also performed a literature revision of 26 described cases of MG after SARS-CoV-2 immunization. The patients were a majority of males with generalized late-onset MG occurring after the first dose of vaccine, similar to our patient. Only our patient showed a thymoma. Thymic mass and the positivity of AchR antibodies suggest that vaccination might have triggered a subclinical pre-existing MG with symptoms flaring. Clinicians should be aware of possible new-onset MG after COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in at-risk patients. Even though COVID-19 vaccination should be recommended in MG patients, particularly in well-compensated patients. However, more studies need to be performed in the future.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Aged , Humans , Male , Autoantibodies , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects , Myasthenia Gravis/diagnosis , Receptors, Cholinergic , SARS-CoV-2 , Vaccination
15.
researchsquare; 2023.
Preprint in English | PREPRINT-RESEARCHSQUARE | ID: ppzbmed-10.21203.rs.3.rs-2635861.v1

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia gravis (MG) presents an additional challenge in managing COVID-19 as outcomes potentially depend on prior disease control and treatment. Yet the role of pre-existing MG in COVID-19 outcomes has not been established. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for reports of MG patients with confirmed COVID-19 until March 2022. We analyzed data on patient demographics, chronicity, and MG control at baseline pre-COVID, treatment history and outcome following COVID infection. RESULTS: Twenty-nine publications with 119 patients (females n=75, age range 20-93 years, AChR Ab positive n= 65, MuSK Ab positive n= 5, seronegative n=14, unknown n=35) were included. Eighty-three (70%) were hospitalized, more than half with MG exacerbation. There was no significant difference in disease duration or control of MG symptoms at baseline between hospitalized and non-hospitalized. Hospitalization was associated with higher dose of daily prednisone but a comparable proportion of patients were on steroid-sparing agents. Among hospitalized patients, 40% were intubated uncorrelated with MG baseline control. Unfavorable outcome was not always associated with MG exacerbation. Amongst those discharged,75% received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or Plasmapheresis (PLEX) for MG exacerbation as compared to 67% with a fatal outcome didn’t receive either. CONCLUSION: Preexisting MG does not appear to be associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes. Higher dose of prednisone prior to COVID-19 infection is associated with increased risk of hospitalization but MG control at baseline did not determine worse outcome. IVIG/PLEX appears safe and potentially can reduce fatality in patients with COVID-19 experiencing MG exacerbation.


Subject(s)
Myasthenia Gravis , COVID-19
16.
Neuromuscul Disord ; 33(3): 288-294, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2229239

ABSTRACT

In this study we employed a comprehensive immune profiling approach to determine innate and adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and mRNA vaccines in patients with myasthenia gravis receiving rituximab. By multicolour cytometry, dendritic and natural killer cells, B- and T-cell subsets, including T-cells producing IFN-γ stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 peptides, were analysed after infection and mRNA vaccination. In the same conditions, anti-spike antibodies and cytokines' levels were measured in sera. Despite the impaired B cell and humoral response, rituximab patients showed an intact innate, CD8 T-cell and IFN-γ specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell response after infection and vaccination, comparable to controls. No signs of cytokine mediated inflammatory cascade was observed. Our study provides evidence of protective immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection and mRNA vaccines in patients with myasthenia gravis on B cell depleting therapy and highlights the need for prospective studies with larger cohorts to clarify the role of B cells in SARS-CoV-2 immune response.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , mRNA Vaccines , Rituximab , Prospective Studies , Cytokines
17.
Muscle Nerve ; 62(2): 254-258, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2209145

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a global pandemic, but little is known about its potential impact on patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS: We studied the clinical course of COVID-19 in five hospitalized patients with autoimmune MG (four with acetylcholine receptor antibodies, one with muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies) between April 1, 2020-April 30-2020. RESULTS: Two patients required intubation for hypoxemic respiratory failure, whereas one required significant supplemental oxygen. One patient with previously stable MG had myasthenic exacerbation. One patient treated with tocilizumab for COVID-19 was successfully extubated. Two patients were treated for MG with intravenous immunoglobulin without thromboembolic complications. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that the clinical course and outcomes in patients with MG and COVID-19 are highly variable. Further large studies are needed to define best practices and determinants of outcomes in this unique population.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Coronavirus Infections/therapy , Hypoxia/therapy , Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use , Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use , Myasthenia Gravis/therapy , Pneumonia, Viral/therapy , Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/complications , Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy , Disease Progression , Female , Humans , Hypoxia/etiology , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Intubation, Intratracheal , Male , Middle Aged , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Myasthenia Gravis/immunology , Oxygen Inhalation Therapy , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/complications , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/immunology , Receptors, Cholinergic/immunology , Respiration, Artificial , Respiratory Insufficiency/etiology , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19 Drug Treatment
18.
Neurol Res ; 45(6): 583-589, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2186876

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prognosis and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with MG and to determine factors associated with COVID-19 severity in patients with MG. METHODS: Information concerning COVID-19 occurrence in patients with MG was collected in this single-center observational study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with severe Covid-19. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-five of the 386 records of MG were included in this study. Eighty-two (29.8%) patients had concurrent COVID-19 . The patients' mean age was 50.3 ± 1.6 years, and the mean duration of MG was 6.7 ± 5.4 years. MG was diagnosed after COVID-19 in five cases. Covid-19 was mild in 45 patients (54.9%), moderate in 23 (28.1%), and severe in 14 (17.07%), while mortality occurred in four of the severe cases (4.9%). Three of the exitus patients were receiving rituximab therapy. Pre-Covid MG Activity of Daily Living (MG-ADL) severity scores were significantly high in severe cases. A history of myasthenic crisis was also higher in severe cases. Similarly, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed an association between severe COVID-19 and myasthenic crisis history and high pre-Covid MG-ADL. The type of MG treatment had no independent effect on COVID-19 severity. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of the MG patients made a good recovery from Covid-19. The risk of severe COVID-19 is high in patients with high MG-ADL severity scores and a history of myasthenic crisis.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Humans , Middle Aged , Thymectomy , Postoperative Complications/etiology , COVID-19/complications , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Myasthenia Gravis/drug therapy , Myasthenia Gravis/epidemiology , Disease Progression
20.
Front Immunol ; 13: 1103020, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2198928

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 vaccines are required for individuals with myasthenia gravis (MG), as these patients are more likely to experience severe pneumonia, myasthenia crises, and higher mortality rate. However, direct data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with MG are lacking, which results in hesitation in vaccination. This scoping was conducted to collect and summarize the existing evidence on this issue. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for studies using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Article titles, authors, study designs, demographics of patients, vaccination information, adverse events (AEs), significant findings, and conclusions of included studies were recorded and summarized. Results: Twenty-nine studies conducted in 16 different countries in 2021 and 2022 were included. Study designs included case report, case series, cohort study, cross-sectional study, survey-based study, chart review, and systemic review. A total of 1347 patients were included. The vaccines used included BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, inactivated vaccines, and recombinant subunit vaccines. Fifteen case studies included 48 patients reported that 23 experienced new-onset, and five patients experienced flare of symptoms. Eleven other types of studies included 1299 patients reported that nine patients experienced new-onset, and 60 participants experienced flare of symptoms. Common AEs included local pain, fatigue, asthenia, cephalalgia, fever, and myalgia. Most patients responded well to treatment without severe sequelae. Evidence gaps include limited strength of study designs, type and dose of vaccines varied, inconsistent window of risk and exacerbation criteria, limited number of participants, and lack of efficacy evaluation. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccines may cause new-onset or worsening of MG in a small proportion of population. Large-scale, multicenter, prospective, and rigorous studies are required to verify their safety.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Myasthenia Gravis , Humans , BNT162 Vaccine , ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 , Cohort Studies , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects , Cross-Sectional Studies , Multicenter Studies as Topic , Prospective Studies , Vaccines, Inactivated
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