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Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
At Children’s Health we have the expertise to diagnose and treat all types of myasthenia gravis in kids and infants. We are certified as a Myasthenia Gravis Center of Excellence through the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, which recognizes centers able to best provide expertise and comprehensive care for this condition.
What is Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder, a condition where immune cells mistakenly attack healthy tissue. It affects the muscles in different parts of the body. Immune cells disrupt the communications between nerves and muscles, causing the muscles to weaken.
Myasthenia gravis can occur at different ages. A child’s eyelids may start to droop, or they may start having trouble moving their eyes. Next, they may start having problems chewing and swallowing as well as using their arms and legs and even breathing.
Children with myasthenia gravis may feel fine in the morning and may be very tired by the end of the day. If the condition is not well controlled, they may have serious events called myasthenia crises in which they get very sick and may have trouble breathing.
What are the different types of Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
Myasthenia gravis is divided into types based on the age of the patient and whether it primarily affects the eyes or other parts of the body.
Generalized myasthenia gravis
Generalized myasthenia gravis affects muscles throughout the body. It can start in childhood or later in life.
Ocular myasthenia gravis
This type only affects the eyes, but a large portion of people with this form of myasthenia gravis will eventually develop the generalized form. Like generalized myasthenia gravis, the ocular type can start in childhood or later in life.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
A child with myasthenia gravis may experience the following symptoms:
- Eyelids that droop in one or both eyes
- Weak eye muscles in one or both eyes
- Fatigue, especially later in the day
- Symptoms that can change during the day
- Weak neck muscles
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Difficulties chewing and swallowing
- Difficulties breathing
How is Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis (MG) diagnosed?
Different steps may be needed to diagnose myasthenia gravis in children. The various steps we take to diagnose myasthenia gravis at Children’s Health℠ include:
- We start with a physical exam, looking for key signs and symptoms.
- We usually test a sample of your child’s blood for certain antibodies, which play an important role in the immune system. We often test for several antibodies, which can involve taking a series of blood samples.
- We also may use a nerve conduction test called repetitive nerve stimulation to see if your child gets weaker when they use a set of muscles over and over.
What causes Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
We know that myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease, but it isn’t clear why some people get the disease and others don’t.
The thymus, a big gland in the chest, is believed to play a role in myasthenia gravis. Some families also tend to get autoimmune conditions.If someone in your family has an autoimmune disorder, your child may also have an increased risk.
How is Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis (MG) treated?
We may prescribe different medications to treat myasthenia gravis in children. Some treat the symptoms of the disease, while others slow down (suppress) the immune response:
- Mestinon, which treats the symptoms of myasthenia gravis
- Prednisone, which is used to suppress the immune system in autoimmune disorders
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which consists of immune proteins (immune globulins) and is used to affect the immune system’s response
There also are several procedures that we may use:
- Plasmapheresis, in which a child’s blood is run through a machine and cleaned of some antibodies
- Thymectomy, the surgical removal of the thymus gland
Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Doctors and Providers
Each child’s care team is made up of specialists.
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Nathalie Brewer, MD Pediatric Surgeon -
Susan Iannaccone, MD Pediatric Neurologist
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can myasthenia gravis go away?
In rare cases, myasthenia gravis in children can go away, especially with early diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, it is a lifelong disease.
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At what age does myasthenia gravis occur?
This condition can start at any age.