The utility of a single simple question in the evaluation of patients with myasthenia gravis

Muscle Nerve. 2018 Feb;57(2):240-244. doi: 10.1002/mus.25720. Epub 2017 Jun 27.

Abstract

Introduction: Assessing myasthenia gravis (MG) can be challenging, and multiple scales are available to evaluate disease severity. We evaluated the utility of a single, simple question, as part of the MG evaluation: "What percentage of normal do you feel regarding your MG, 0%-100% normal?"

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients attending the neuromuscular clinic from January 2014 to December 2015 was performed. Responses were correlated with symptoms and signs, the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMGS), the Myasthenia Gravis Impairment Index (MGII), and the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life scale (MG-QOL15).

Results: The total cohort included 169 patients. The percentage of normal correlated strongly with limb muscle weakness and MG scales, moderately with bulbar and respiratory symptoms, and weakly with ocular manifestations.

Discussion: The question, "What percentage of normal do you feel regarding your MG?" is feasible and valid, and can be incorporated easily into routine clinical evaluation. Muscle Nerve 57: 240-244, 2018.

Keywords: MG-QOL15; MGII; QMGS; grip; myasthenia gravis; percentage of normal.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blepharoptosis / etiology
  • Blepharoptosis / psychology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Muscle Weakness / psychology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / psychology
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / etiology
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / psychology
  • Quality of Life
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires