Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe epidemiological, clinical, electrophysiological and biological features of autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in a cohort of Senegalese children. The medical records of patients diagnosed with autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis at the Neurological Department of Fann National Teaching Hospital and National Children's Hospital Albert Royer were reviewed from May 2005 to January 2020. Thirty-six patients (12 boys and 24 girls) were enrolled with age ranging from 17 months to 16 years. 31 children were of prepubertal age and 5 children of pubertal age. 23 patients (63.9%) presented an ocular form, 13 patients (36.1%) had generalized myasthenia gravis. Electroneuromyography showed a 10-70% decrement in all patients. Serum level tests of acetylcholine receptors antibodies were positive in 22 patients (65.2%). Chest CT scan found thymoma in 3 patients. All the patients received cholinesterase inhibitor treatment and corticosteroids in addition for 14 of them. The median follow up was 20.25 months. The evolution was marked by a complete remission in 9 patients myasthenic in the prepubertal period, with a mean follow-up time of 31.57 months (range 27 to 42 months) and the death of 6 patients by myasthenic crisis after a follow-up of 31.16 months on average (range 3 to 48 months). In our context, myasthenia in children is more likely to be of prepubertal age. Therapeutic education is essential for optimal patient management.
Source: Neuroimmunology Reports
Institution: Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
OpenAlex ID: W4288045987