Thymectomy In Myastenia Gravis: Comparison With Conservative Therapy

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Thymectomy In Myastenia Gravis: Comparison With Conservative Therapy

Journal Title: Journal of Neurological Sciences-Turkish - Year 2006, Vol 23, Issue 2

Abstract

Aim: To assess the efficacy of thymectomy on prognosis in myasthenia gravis (MG). Method: The demographical and clinical features of 40 thymectomised patients followed in our neuromuscular day clinic were analysed and compared to the patients' (54 patients) who were treated conservatively. The doses of all medications before and after TMT and at the beginning and during the last evaluation of CT, were noted. Prognosis is defined . Results: Both groups were identical for gender, mean follow-up period and distribution in Osserman grades except for their ages. The patients in the TMT group were much younger. No statistical relation was found between prognosis and the age at the time of operation, the age at onset of the disease, gender and the time from the onset of the disease until the operation. At the time of evaluation, the doses of prednisolone and pyridostigmin were lowered, azathiopirine was unchanged The ratio of the patients in the TMT group, taking no or very small amount of prednisolone was twice of that in CT group. At the last evaluation the ratio of patients who were better was 75% in the TMT group and 40% in the CT group. There was no mortality in the TMT group. Six patients deceased in the CT group. Conclusion: Results of the TMT group seems better than the CT groups'. Remarkable difference between the ages of the two groups and nonrandomisation of the patients may create bias in favor of TMT. Future larger studies involving identical patients are needed.

Authors and Affiliations

Muhtesem GEDIZLIOGLU, Pinar CE, Esra ARPACI, Demet CEVHER, Ahmet KULAN

Keywords

myastenia gravis Thymectomy conservative therapy

EP ID EP102145
DOI -
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