PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of thymectomy to induce remission in juvenile myasthenia gravis. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing a thymectomy for the treatment of juvenile myasthenia gravis was performed at a single tertiary referral centre between 1997 and 2009 (N = 8). All cases were moderate to severe cases (Osserman stage ≥ 2a). All operations were open. Median follow-up was 18 months (range 1-77). Postoperative progress was assessed using the De Filippi classification of remission. MAIN RESULTS: Only two minor complications were reported. Mean operative time was 120 min (range 80-290 min). Mean postoperative stay was 17 days (range 3-52 days). Remission was observed in 5 of 8 patients (62%) at last known follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous remission rates for myasthenia gravis are quoted to be between 20 and 29% while remission rates following thymectomy are 29-68% at 3 years. Although not all of our patients have had 3 years of follow up-the remission rate of 62% demonstrated by this study is encouraging. If reproducible over a larger series this provides evidence of the efficacy of thymectomy for treating juvenile myasthenia gravis in selected patients.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of thymectomy to induce remission in juvenile myasthenia gravis. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing a thymectomy for the treatment of juvenile myasthenia gravis was performed at a single tertiary referral centre between 1997 and 2009 (N = 8). All cases were moderate to severe cases (Osserman stage ≥ 2a). All operations were open. Median follow-up was 18 months (range 1-77). Postoperative progress was assessed using the De Filippi classification of remission. MAIN RESULTS: Only two minor complications were reported. Mean operative time was 120 min (range 80-290 min). Mean postoperative stay was 17 days (range 3-52 days). Remission was observed in 5 of 8 patients (62%) at last known follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous remission rates for myasthenia gravis are quoted to be between 20 and 29% while remission rates following thymectomy are 29-68% at 3 years. Although not all of our patients have had 3 years of follow up-the remission rate of 62% demonstrated by this study is encouraging. If reproducible over a larger series this provides evidence of the efficacy of thymectomy for treating juvenile myasthenia gravis in selected patients.
Authors: Amy J Wagner; Raul A Cortes; Jonathan Strober; Erich J Grethel; Matthew S Clifton; Michael R Harrison; Diana L Farmer; Kerilyn K Nobuhara; Hanmin Lee Journal: J Pediatr Surg Date: 2006-01 Impact factor: 2.545
Authors: R F Calhoun; J H Ritter; T J Guthrie; A Pestronk; B F Meyers; G A Patterson; M S Pohl; J D Cooper Journal: Ann Surg Date: 1999-10 Impact factor: 12.969
Authors: Trine H Popperud; Kiran A Gul; Cathrine Brunborg; Richard W Olaussen; Tore G Abrahamsen; Liv T Osnes; Emila Kerty Journal: Front Neurol Date: 2021-02-25 Impact factor: 4.003