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Low conversion rate of ocular to generalized myasthenia gravis in Singapore
Author(s) -
Teo Kelvin Y.,
Tow Sharon L.,
Haaland Benjamin,
Gosavi Tushar D.,
JingLiang LOO,
Yew Long LO,
Milea Dan
Publication year - 2018
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.25983
Subject(s) - ocular myasthenia , myasthenia gravis , hazard ratio , thymoma , confidence interval , medicine , acetylcholine receptor , repetitive nerve stimulation , population , gastroenterology , surgery , receptor , environmental health
Ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) is a common condition of the neuromuscular junction that may convert to generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG). Our aim in this study was to determine the conversion rate and predictive factors for generalization in OMG, in an Asian population. Methods: The investigation consisted of a retrospective study of OMG patients with a minimum 2 years of follow‐up. Results: Among 191 patients with OMG, 155 had the minimum 2‐year follow‐up. The conversion rate at median follow‐up (40.8 months) was 10.6% (95% confidence interval 7.9%–13.3%), and at the 2‐year follow‐up it was 7.7% (95% confidence interval 5.6%–9.8%). At baseline, the predictive factors for generalization were positive acetylcholine receptor antibodies (hazard ratio 3.71, P = 0.024), positive repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) studies (hazard ratio 4.42, P = 0.003), and presence of radiologically presumed or pathologically confirmed thymoma (hazard ratio 3.10, P = 0.013). Discussion: The conversion rate of OMG to GMG in Asian patients is low, as predicted by presence of acetylcholine receptor antibodies, presence of thymoma, and positive RNS studies. Muscle Nerve 57 : 756–760, 2018