Journal
MUSCLE & NERVE
Volume 53, Issue 1, Pages 134-136Publisher
WILEY-BLACKWELL
DOI: 10.1002/mus.24929
Keywords
forced vital capacity; myasthenia gravis; neck flexor strength; negative inspiratory force; spirometry; single breath count
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Funding
- NIH-NICHD [5K12HD001097-17]
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Introduction: Although formal spirometry is the gold standard for monitoring respiratory function in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), such testing is often delayed or unavailable. There is a need for a simple bedside test that can accurately measure respiratory function. Methods: We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional, single-blind study in adults with acetylcholine receptor antibody positive MG. Participants performed the single breath count test (SBCT) and underwent manual muscle strength testing, and a respiratory therapist performed spirometry blinded to SBCT and strength results. Results : Thirty-one patients, aged 57619 years participated. SBCT showed significant correlations with forced vital capacity (FVC), negative inspiratory force, and neck flexor strength (P < 0.01). FVC showed significant correlation with neck flexor strength (P= 0.02) but no correlation with shoulder abductor strength. Conclusions: These data suggest that the SBCT and neck flexor strength testing are valuable tools for bedside assessment of respiratory function in MG patients.
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