INTRODUCTION: Muscle weakness and functional disability have not been evaluated in a population-based study of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS: All patients with MG in a well-defined catchment area were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry. Of the 175 eligible patients, 90 participated and were studied using MG-specific scales, isometric dynamometry, and functional tests. Fifty age- and sex-matched subjects served as controls. RESULTS: Muscle strength was reduced by 13%, 21%, and 12% for shoulder abduction, knee extension, and ankle extension, respectively (P < 0.05). Chair stand and 400-meter walking were impaired by 24% and 23%, respectively (P < 0.05). Muscle strength and functional performances were related to MG-specific scales. DISCUSSION: MG patients have moderately reduced isometric muscle strength and impaired physical performance. Muscle weakness and functional tests relate closely to MG-specific scales, suggesting that dynamometry and functional tests can be used to monitor MG patients and as efficacy parameters in clinical trials. Muscle Nerve 59:218-223, 2019.
INTRODUCTION:Muscle weakness and functional disability have not been evaluated in a population-based study of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS: All patients with MG in a well-defined catchment area were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry. Of the 175 eligible patients, 90 participated and were studied using MG-specific scales, isometric dynamometry, and functional tests. Fifty age- and sex-matched subjects served as controls. RESULTS: Muscle strength was reduced by 13%, 21%, and 12% for shoulder abduction, knee extension, and ankle extension, respectively (P < 0.05). Chair stand and 400-meter walking were impaired by 24% and 23%, respectively (P < 0.05). Muscle strength and functional performances were related to MG-specific scales. DISCUSSION: MGpatients have moderately reduced isometric muscle strength and impaired physical performance. Muscle weakness and functional tests relate closely to MG-specific scales, suggesting that dynamometry and functional tests can be used to monitor MGpatients and as efficacy parameters in clinical trials. Muscle Nerve 59:218-223, 2019.
Authors: Sophie Lehnerer; Jonas Jacobi; Ralph Schilling; Ulrike Grittner; Derin Marbin; Lea Gerischer; Frauke Stascheit; Maike Krause; Sarah Hoffmann; Andreas Meisel Journal: J Neurol Date: 2021-11-20 Impact factor: 6.682