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Mortality in myasthenia gravis: A nationwide population–based follow‐up study in Denmark
Author(s) -
Hansen Julie S.,
Danielsen Ditte H.,
Somnier Finn E.,
Frøslev Trine,
Jakobsen Johannes,
Johnsen Søren P.,
Andersen Henning
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.24697
Subject(s) - myasthenia gravis , medicine , mortality rate , population , population based study , pediatrics , acetylcholine receptor , surgery , gastroenterology , epidemiology , receptor , environmental health
: In previous studies of myasthenia gravis (MG), increased mortality has been reported. The aim of this study was to estimate mortality in patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody–positive (AChR‐Ab–seropositive) MG in a nationwide population–based, long‐term follow‐up study. Methods: All AChR‐Ab–seropositive MG patients, diagnosed between 1985 and 2005, were identified. Defined by age at diagnosis (≤50 or >50 years), patients were classified as having early‐ or late‐onset MG. For comparison, 10 non‐MG individuals from the general population were matched with each patient. All patients and controls were followed until January 1, 2009. Mortality rates and estimated mortality rate ratios (MRRs) were calculated. Results: Of 702 AChR‐Ab–seropositive MG patients, 302 died during follow‐up. Overall mortality was higher for patients with MG (MRR = 1.41, range 1.24–1.60). In late‐onset women and men, the MRRs were 1.64 (1.36–1.99) and 1.22 (1.02–1.46), respectively. Total MRR was highest during the first 5 years after diagnosis. Conclusions: MG diagnosis is still associated with increased mortality. Muscle Nerve 53 : 73–77, 2016