Frontiers in Neurology (Sep 2020)

Myasthenia Gravis and COVID-19: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes

  • Antonio E. Camelo-Filho,
  • André M. S. Silva,
  • Eduardo P. Estephan,
  • Eduardo P. Estephan,
  • Antônio A. Zambon,
  • Rodrigo H. Mendonça,
  • Paulo V. S. Souza,
  • Wladimir B. V. R. Pinto,
  • Acary S. B. Oliveira,
  • Iron Dangoni-Filho,
  • Ana F. P. Pouza,
  • Ana F. P. Pouza,
  • Berenice C. O. Valerio,
  • Edmar Zanoteli

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.01053
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder, may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19. We conducted an observational retrospective study with 15 consecutive adult MG patients admitted with COVID-19 at four hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. Most patients with MG hospitalized for COVID-19 had severe courses of the disease: 87% were admitted in the intensive care unit, 73% needed mechanical ventilation, and 30% died. Immunoglobulin use and the plasma exchange procedure were safe. Immunosuppressive therapy seems to be associated with better outcomes, as it might play a protective role.

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