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Role of autoantibody levels as biomarkers in the management of patients with myasthenia gravis: A systematic review and expert appraisal
Author(s) -
Meisel Andreas,
Baggi Fulvio,
Behin Anthony,
Evoli Amelia,
KosteraPruszczyk Anna,
Mantegazza Renato,
Morales Raul Juntas,
Punga Anna Rostedt,
Sacconi Sabrina,
Schroeter Michael,
Verschuuren Jan,
Crathorne Louise,
Holmes Kris,
Leite MariaIsabel
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/ene.15565
Subject(s) - myasthenia gravis , autoantibody , medicine , disease , neurology , immunology , physical therapy , antibody , psychiatry
Background and purpose Although myasthenia gravis (MG) is recognized as an immunoglobulin G autoantibody‐mediated disease, the relationship between autoantibody levels and disease activity in MG is unclear. We sought to evaluate this landscape through systematically assessing the evidence, testing the impact of predefined variables on any relationship, and augmenting with expert opinion. Methods In October 2020, a forum of leading clinicians and researchers in neurology from across Europe (Expert Forum for Rare Autoantibodies in Neurology in Myasthenia Gravis) participated in a series of virtual meetings that took place alongside the conduct of a systematic literature review (SLR). Results Forty‐two studies were identified meeting inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 reported some correlation between a patient's autoantibody level and disease severity. Generally, decreased autoantibody levels (acetylcholine receptor, muscle‐specific kinase, and titin) were positively and significantly correlated with improvements in disease severity (Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score, Myasthenia Gravis Composite score, Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living score, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification). Given the limited evidence, testing the impact of predefined variables was not feasible. Conclusions This first SLR to assess whether a correlation exists between autoantibody levels and disease activity in patients with MG has indicated a potential positive correlation, which could have clinical implications in guiding treatment decisions. However, in light of the limited and variable evidence, we cannot currently recommend routine clinical use of autoantibody level testing in this context. For now, patient's characteristics, clinical disease course, and laboratory data (e.g., autoantibody status, thymus histology) should inform management, alongside patient‐reported outcomes. We highlight the need for future studies to reach more definitive conclusions on this relationship.