Diagnosis and Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

myasthenia gravis is the most common acquired disorder of neuromuscular transmission. Due to the production of pathogenic autoantibodies that bind to components of the neuromuscular junction, the most common being the Anti-Achetyl coline receptor. myasthenia gravis produces symptomatic weakness that predominates in certain muscle groups and typically fluctuates in response to effort and rest. Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is based on history and physical exam, pharmacological tests, serological (immunological) tests and electrophysiological tests. Treatment options include symptomatic therapy, intravenous immunoglobuline (IVIG)/plasmapheresis, thymectomy, corticosteroids,immunosuppressive agents, monoclonal antibodies and stem cell transplantation. Factors to be considered for treatment are age of the patient, severity of disease, medical comorbidities, side effect profile of the agent selected, monitoring requirements, speed of the onset ofaction and cost of drug.