The characteristics of juvenile myasthenia gravis among South Africans

Incidence of acetylcholine receptor‐antibody‐positive myasthenia gravis in South Africa

“…Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies are detected in the sera of 85–90% of patients with MG, and their presence is highly specific . We previously found similar frequencies of AChR‐antibody–positive (seropositive) MG in different subpopulations in South Africa . In addition, Vincent et al .…”

“…observed that MG onset before puberty may be less frequent in American children with European genetic ancestry compared with African Americans . As juveniles with African genetic ancestry and AChR‐antibody–positive MG are at risk of developing ophthalmoplegia as a treatment‐resistant complication, recognition of seropositive MG in children may be important. One study reported that MG was relatively frequent among Asian children in a hospital‐based cohort, but more recent reports from both Japan and Taiwan, also using hospital‐based cohorts including seronegative cases, did not find a childhood‐onset peak .…”

“…Here we review the incidence of MG in South Africa between 2011 and 2012 and use the national population census data collected in 2011. Our aim was to assess the incidence of MG in older subjects from Africa, as well as the incidence of juvenile MG, a group with a high frequency of treatment‐resistant ophthalmoplegia, a complication unique to populations with African genetic ancestry …”

How common is childhood myasthenia? The UK incidence and prevalence of autoimmune and congenital myasthenia

“…A recent systematic review of population based studies of both adults and children revealed incidence rates of autoimmune myasthenia of 1.7–21.3 per million person-years and prevalence rates of 15–179 per million 6. Regarding risk factors for childhood myasthenia, certain groups appear to be at higher risk of myasthenia (autoimmune myasthenia in girls,2 ocular myasthenia in Japanese and Chinese children7 8 and in children of African genetic origin) 9. In adults, there is evidence that the incidence of MG is increasing 10.…”

Juvenile myasthenia gravis

“…Pre-pubertal children tend to have more ocular presentations whereas postpubertal cases have more generalized disease and female preponderance. [3] Detection of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies supports the diagnosis of JMG. Early recognition and management of JMG prevents the progression of symptoms and results in low morbidity and mortality.…”