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Factors associated with acute exacerbations of myasthenia gravis
Author(s) -
Gummi Rohit Reddy,
Kukulka Natalie Anna,
Deroche Chelsea B.,
Govindarajan Raghav
Publication year - 2019
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.26689
Subject(s) - medicine , exacerbation , myasthenia gravis , emergency department , etiology , medical record , demographics , emergency medicine , intensive care medicine , asthma exacerbations , pediatrics , asthma , demography , psychiatry , sociology
The etiology of acute exacerbations of myasthenia gravis (MG) is not well understood and further characterization can lead to improved preventative measures. This study aims to characterize factors contributing to MG exacerbations. Methods A total of 127 MG patient charts were reviewed retrospectively (2011‐2016) to obtain demographics, immunizations, pharmaceutical records, contributing factors of each MG exacerbation, emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and duration. Results There were 212 exacerbations requiring 106 ED visits and 141 hospitalizations (average admission 6.5 days). Highest contributors were infections (30%) and medications that may worsen MG (19%), with 24% unattributed. Infection related exacerbations were associated with 44.3% of ED visits and 39.7% of hospitalizations. Patients prescribed beta‐blockers were associated with more exacerbations ( P < .01). Patients prescribed medications that may worsen MG had a higher exacerbation frequency shortly after administration. Discussion Infections and cautioned medications are frequently factors in acute MG exacerbations needing urgent medical attention and warrant caution.