Childhood onset myasthenia gravis.

Raksadawan, Natte; Kankirawatana, Pongkiat; Balankura, Kampanad; Prateepratana, Patcharin; Sangruchi, Tumtip; Atchaneeyasakul, La-Ongsri

Childhood onset myasthenia gravis.

Date

2002-08-31

Authors

Raksadawan, Natte

Kankirawatana, Pongkiat

Balankura, Kampanad

Prateepratana, Patcharin

Sangruchi, Tumtip

Atchaneeyasakul, La-Ongsri

Abstract

The authors share experiences in taking care of 27 cases of childhood onset myasthenia gravis (MGS). In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by a combination of clinical examination and Neostigmine test. The majority (92%) had localized ocular myasthenia with median onset of symptoms at 33 months of age. About 24 per cent of them progressed to generalized MGS. A few (8%) presented with respiratory failure that required ventilatory support with onset of symptoms at about 22 months. Thymectomy was performed in 10 cases. Complete and partial remissions were achieved in about 70 per cent and 26 per cent of cases respectively with the combination of an immunosuppressant (azathioprine) and a Cholinesterase inhibitor (pyridostigmine). None experienced a myasthenic crisis with proper management and good follow-up using the above combinations.

Description

Chotmaihet Thangphaet.

Citation

Raksadawan N, Kankirawatana P, Balankura K, Prateepratana P, Sangruchi T, Atchaneeyasakul LO. Childhood onset myasthenia gravis. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. 2002 Aug; 85 Suppl 2(): S769-77