Evaluation of nonmotor symptoms in myasthenia gravis patients

Abstract

Background/aim: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is chronic autoimmune disorder characterized primarily by muscle weakness and fatigue, due to autoantibodies targeting acetylcholine receptor at neuromuscular junction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate non-motor symptoms in myasthenia gravis patients and compare them with disease duration, severity and clinical features.Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted with thirty-five myasthenia gravis patients and thirty-five healthy volunteers. Total of 35 patients, 17 women and 18 men with mean age of 52.9±13.6 years constituted patient group. Control group consisted of total of 35 participants, 23 women and 12 men with mean age of 46.9±12.2 years. Patient group was applied scales of MG Foundation of America clinical classification, MG Composite and Turkish version of MG Quality of Life 15. For non-motor functions, both in patients and controls; we used the inquiry questionnaires evaluating symptoms of headache, pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, physical activity, cognition, smell and taste. Results: Results revealed prevalent and diverse non-motor symptoms in MG patients. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and degree of olfactory function in cinnamon in patient group was significantly (p