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Background and ObjectivesCorticosteroids are the first-line immunosuppressants in the management of juvenile myasthenia gravis despite their adverse effects. The place of new immunosuppressive therapies is not clearly defined by the last international consensus held in March 2019 due to the lack of clinical trials. The aim of this study is to describe the use of rituximab and its efficacy and safety in 8 main pediatric centers of the French neuromuscular reference network to propose a new place in the therapeutic strategy of juvenile myasthenia gravis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective multicenter study from January 1, 2009, to April 30, 2020, including a large cohort of children with myasthenia gravis in 8 main French pediatric reference centers of the FILNEMUS network. The type of myasthenia, different lines of immunosuppressive treatment, and clinical course of the patients were collected. To evaluate the efficacy of rituximab, we studied the clinical course of patients on immunosuppressive therapy. Outcome was defined as the clinical and therapeutic status of patients at the last visit: stable without immunosuppressants, stable with immunosuppressants, or unstable.ResultsWe included 74 patients: 18 children with ocular form and 56 children with generalized form. Of the 37 patients who required immunosuppressive therapy, 27 were treated with rituximab. Patients treated with rituximab had a better outcome than patients treated with conventional immunosuppressants (p= 0.006). The use of rituximab as a first-line immunosuppressant showed a better efficacy with a discontinuation of immunosuppressants in 75% of patients (vs 25%,p= 0.04) and results in cortisone sparing (42% vs 92%,p= 0.03) compared with rituximab treatment as a second- or third-line immunosuppression. Rituximab was well tolerated; no adverse effect was observed.DiscussionThe use of rituximab has increased in France over the last 10 years as a first-line immunosuppressant. This study suggests good tolerability and efficacy of rituximab in juvenile myasthenia gravis. Early use appears to improve outcomes and facilitate cortisone sparing in antibody-positive generalized juvenile myasthenia.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that for children with MG, rituximab is effective and well tolerated.

BackgroundCerebral palsy is a life-long condition that causes heterogeneous motor disorders. Motor rehabilitation interventions must be adapted to the topography of the symptoms, ambulatory capacity, and age of the individual. Current guidelines do not differentiate between the different profiles of individuals with cerebral palsy, which limits their implementation.ObjectivesTo develop evidence-based, implementable guidelines for motor rehabilitation interventions for individuals with cerebral palsy according to the age, topography of the cerebral palsy, and ambulatory capacity of the individual and to determine a level of priority for each intervention.MethodsWe used a mixed methods design that combined a systematic review of the literature on available motor rehabilitation interventions with expert opinions. Based on the French National Authority for Health methodology, recommendations were graded as strong, conditional, or weak. Interventions were then prioritized by the experts according to both the evidence and their own opinions on relevance and implementability to provide a guide for clinicians. All recommendations were approved by experts who were independent from the working group.ResultsStrong recommendations as first-line treatments were made for gait training, physical activities, and hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy for all children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Moderate recommendations were made against passive joint mobilizations, muscle stretching, prolonged stretching with the limb fixed, and neurodevelopmental therapies for all children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Strong recommendations as first-line treatments were made for gait training for all adults with cerebral palsy and moderate recommendations as moderate importance interventions for strengthening exercises and ankle-foot orthoses for motor impairment of the feet and the ankles.DiscussionThese guidelines, which combine research evidence and expert opinions, could help individuals with cerebral palsy and their families to codetermine rehabilitation goals with health professionals, according to their preferences.