Myasthenia Gravis and COVID-19: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes.

Authors :: Camelo-Filho AE
Silva AMS
Estephan EP
Zambon AA
Mendonça RH
Souza PVS
Pinto WBVR
Oliveira ASB
Dangoni-Filho I
Pouza AFP
Valerio BCO
Zanoteli E
Source :: Frontiers in neurology [Front Neurol] 2020 Sep 11; Vol. 11, pp. 1053. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Sep 11 (Print Publication: 2020).
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: Myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder, may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19. We conducted an observational retrospective study with 15 consecutive adult MG patients admitted with COVID-19 at four hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. Most patients with MG hospitalized for COVID-19 had severe courses of the disease: 87% were admitted in the intensive care unit, 73% needed mechanical ventilation, and 30% died. Immunoglobulin use and the plasma exchange procedure were safe. Immunosuppressive therapy seems to be associated with better outcomes, as it might play a protective role.<br /> (Copyright © 2020 Camelo-Filho, Silva, Estephan, Zambon, Mendonça, Souza, Pinto, Oliveira, Dangoni-Filho, Pouza, Valerio and Zanoteli.)