The correlation between functional capacity and quality of life in patients with myasthenia gravis

Abstract

Objective. The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between functional capacity with quality of life in patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). Method. This cross-sectional study included 23 patients with MG between July and August 2021 (7 men,16 women; mean age: 46.78 ± 6.24 years; range: 33-56 years). Using a 2-minute walking test (2MWT) for 2-minute walking distance (2MWD), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2Max), and metabolic equivalents (METs), the functional capacity was determined. The quality of life can be evaluated by the Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life 15 (MG-QL15). Result. Functional capacity was not significantly correlated with quality of life: (2MWD and MG-QoL15 r=-0.002, p=0.992), (VO2Max and MG-QoL15 r=0.190, p=0.386), and (METs and MG-QoL15 r=0.188, p=0.391). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that 2MWD, VO2Max, and METs of functional capacity have no significant effect on MG-QoL15 of quality of life but 2MWD, METs, and VO2Max had a stronger relationship strength with MG-QoL15 domain ranging from VO2Max, MET, and 2MWD. Quality of life and functional capacity of myasthenia gravis patients showed no regression relationship partially of current age, age at onset, length of medication, severity of disease using myasthenia gravis composite (MGC) score, and body mass index (BMI). Conclusion. In MG patients, no significant correlation was observed between functional capacity and quality of life, and further research is required to determine the factors that influence functional capacity and quality of life.

Keywords

• myasthenia gravis
• functional capacity
• quality of life