Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common primary disorder of

neuromuscular transmission.
It's a relatively rare autoimmune disorder chracterized by weakness
and fatigability of skeletal muscles.
85% of cases are due to autoantibodies directed against the
actylcholine receptor.
Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) and lipoprotein-related protein 4
(LRP4) are also involved.

 The prevalence more than doubled in the past 20 years.

The rate in the United States is estimated to be about 20/100,000
population (MGFA)

Occurs in all races, both genders, and at any age.

- Below 40 years the female/male rate is 3/1 - Over 50 it's more
common in male.
- In Asia up to 50% of cases have onset below 15 years of age.

 The current hypothesis (2013) ins that MG is complex disease with

numerous genetic polymorphisms, each having a small contribution.
The genetic bases and functional defects remain largely unknown.
The disorder is rarely fatal but it can be due to respiratory paralysis.
Congenital forms are rare.
Most of the cases present only with ocular and facial weakness.

 Causes of autoimmune
disorders:
Escape
Cross-reaction
Chemical irritants
Genetic predisposition