Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction/Aims
Few studies have investigated the role of race in the long‐term outcome of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). The aim of this study is to analyze clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes related to race in patients with MG.
Methods
This is a retrospective review of data from patients seen between 1980 and 2016 and followed for at least 2 years in the Duke MG Clinic. Treatment goal (TG) was defined as achieving MGFA postintervention status of “minimal manifestations” or better. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards (CPH) modeling were performed to assess the effect of race on TG by adjusting for other variables.
Results
Among 820 patients (661 White, 81%; 159 Black, 19%), Black patients had a younger median age at disease onset, female predominance, higher rate of muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase antibodies and thymectomy, and less non‐corticosteroid immunosuppressant use. The percentage of White patients in the Registry is greater than the mean in the North Carolina census between 1980 and 2010 (81% vs. 77%,
p
= 0.014). Disease duration and MGFA class at first visit, thymectomy, follow‐up duration, median time to TG, TG achievement and maintenance, median time to TG loss, and corticosteroid/PLEX/IVIG use were similar in the two racial groups. Neither multivariable logistic regression nor CPH modeling identified race as an independent predictor of TG.
Discussion
Although racial differences were observed in patients with MG, long‐term outcomes were similar in Black and White patients. Our study suggests that following treatment guidelines is important in achieving favorable MG outcomes.