Immunopathology of Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis: Implications for Improved Testing Algorithms and Treatment Strategies.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a heterogeneous condition, characterized by autoantibodies (Abs) that target functionally important structures within neuromuscular junctions (NMJ), thus affecting nerve-to-muscle transmission. MG patients are more often now subgrouped based on the profile of serum autoantibodies, which segregate with clinical presentation, immunopathology, and their response to therapies. The serological testing plays an essential role in confirming MG diagnosis and guiding disease management, although a small percentage of MG patients remain negative for antibodies.

Epidemiological evidence for a hereditary contribution to myasthenia gravis: a retrospective cohort study of patients from North America.

Objectives: To approximate the rate of familial myasthenia gravis and the coexistence of other autoimmune disorders in the patients and their families.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Clinics across North America.

Minimal manifestation status and prednisone withdrawal in the MGTX trial.

Objective: To examine whether sustained minimal manifestation status (MMS) with complete withdrawal of prednisone is better achieved in thymectomized patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods: This study is a post hoc analysis of data from a randomized trial of thymectomy in MG (Thymectomy Trial in Non-Thymomatous Myasthenia Gravis Patients Receiving Prednisone Therapy [MGTX]). MGTX was a multicenter, randomized, rater-blinded 3-year trial that was followed by a voluntary 2-year extension for patients with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive MG without thymoma.

Causes that Contribute to the Excess Mortality Risk in Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Study.

Background: Lifespan is 6-10 years shorter in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the reasons remain unclear. Using linked clinical- and population-based administrative health databases, we compared cause-specific mortality in an MS cohort to the general population.

Methods: MS patients in British Columbia (BC), Canada, were followed from the later of first MS clinic visit or January 1, 1986, to the earlier of death, emigration, or December 31, 2013.

Multiple sclerosis: effect of beta interferon treatment on survival.

Worldwide, the beta interferons remain the most commonly prescribed disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis. However, it is unclear if they alter survival. We investigated the association between beta interferon and mortality in the 'real-world' setting.