CORRELATION OF SINGLE-BREATH COUNT TEST AND NECK FLEXOR MUSCLE STRENGTH WITH SPIROMETRY IN MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

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.