TY - JOUR A2 - Aarli, Johan A. AU - Finnis, Maria F. AU - Jayawant, Sandeep PY - 2011 DA - 2011/11/01 TI - Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis: A Paediatric Perspective SP - 404101 VL - 2011 AB - Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are directed against the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, resulting in muscle weakness and fatigability. Juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) is a rare condition of childhood and has many clinical features that are distinct from adult MG. Prepubertal children in particular have a higher prevalence of isolated ocular symptoms, lower frequency of acetylcholine receptor antibodies, and a higher probability of achieving remission. Diagnosis in young children can be complicated by the need to differentiate from congenital myasthenic syndromes, which do not have an autoimmune basis. Treatment commonly includes anticholinesterases, corticosteroids with or without steroid-sparing agents, and newer immune modulating agents. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) are effective in preparation for surgery and in treatment of myasthenic crisis. Thymectomy increases remission rates. Diagnosis and management of children with JMG should take account of their developmental needs, natural history of the condition, and side-effect profiles of treatment options. SN - 2090-0422 UR - https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/404101 DO - 10.4061/2011/404101 JF - Autoimmune Diseases PB - SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research KW - ER -