Social, professional and neuropsychiatric outcomes in patients with myasthenia gravis

Background Recent medical advances have enabled the control of neurological symptoms and increased survival of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). However, MG has many veiled consequences that may be underestimated by neurologists. Our aim was to clarify the social, professional, and neuropsychiatric issues of MG patients. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional cohort study with MG patients from a university-affiliated referral hospital. We registered clinical and sociodemographic data, and patients were classified according the MGFA classification. Clinical severity was assessed with Myasthenia Gravis Composite (MGC) scale. Trained and blind investigators analyzed social and professional outcomes. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the social support with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results We enrolled 49 patients with MG. The mean age was 45.3 +/- 18.1 years and 39 (79.6%) were women. There were 19 (38.8%) patients who become unemployed, 23 (46.9%) who had to retire prematurely, 31 (63.3%) that reported a significant reduction in work performance, and 23 (46.9%) who had a reduction in monthly income after the diagnosis of MG. Only 16 (32.6%) received any financial support and 24 (48.9%) patients had the perception of receiving a satisfactory social support. The practice of physical activity is a habit in only 10 patients (20.4%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms were present in 26 (53.1%) patients. Conclusion Patients with MG are vulnerable to social, professional, and mental disadvantages. Therapeutic success in MG goes beyond symptom relief and inevitably depends on a personalized approach to the patient.

Automated summary

Patients with MG experience social, professional, and mental disadvantages, with many facing unemployment or reduced income after diagnosis, only a small percentage receiving financial support and satisfactory social support, and a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms.