Clinical and immunological features and treatment of myasthenia gravis in the elderly (review)

Abstract

A literature review on the peculiarities of the diagnosis, course and treatment of myasthenia gravis in the elderly has been done. Despite the fact that myasthenia gravis is a disease of the young and middle-aged, in recent years, several authors observe an increased incidence among the elderly. A proper diagnosis in this age group tend to cause difficulties, and concomitant diseases complicate the choice of therapeutic approach which includes: acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, steroids, immunosuppressants, intravenous immunoglobulins and plasmapheresis. Thymectomy in older age groups, except for the presence of thymoma, due to side effects and the lack of a strong evidence base, is not widely held. The question of the effectiveness and optimal therapeutic approach of myasthenia gravis in elderly patients is still not fully resolved.

Keywords

• миастения
• пожилой возраст
• ингибиторы ацетилхолинэстеразы
• тимома
• тимэктомия
• внутривенные им- муноглобулины
• иммуносупрессивная терапия
• миастенический криз