Factors predicting remission in thymectomized patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Although thymectomy is an important therapeutic option for myasthenia gravis (MG), factors predicting remission after thymectomy are not well known.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab)-positive MG who had undergone thymectomy. Prognostic factors predicting remission were investigated. Changes in AChR-Ab titer before and after thymectomy were also evaluated.

RESULTS:

Among the 179 patients, 52.5% achieved complete stable or pharmacologic remission. Nonthymomatous pathology and mild preoperative status were favorable predictors of remission. The decrease in AChR-Ab titer after thymectomy was significant in nonthymomatous MG but not in thymomatous MG.

DISCUSSION:

Nonthymomatous pathology and mild preoperative status are prognostic factors that may predict remission after thymectomy. The decrease in AChR-Ab titer after thymectomy was significant in nonthymomatous MG but not in thymomatous MG, suggesting that the pathogenic role of the thymus differs according to pathology. Muscle Nerve 58:796-800, 2018.

• Authors: Hyunjin Kim, Young-Min Lim, Eun-Jae Lee, Yeo Jin Oh, Kwang-Kuk Kim
• Journal: Muscle & nerve (Muscle Nerve) Vol. 58 Issue 6 Pg. 796-800 (12 2018) ISSN: 1097-4598 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30020542 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Autoantibodies
• Receptors, Cholinergic

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Autoantibodies (blood)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myasthenia Gravis (blood, surgery)
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Prognosis
• Proportional Hazards Models
• Receptors, Cholinergic (immunology)
• Retrospective Studies
• Thymectomy (methods)
• Treatment Outcome