Clinical and immunological features and treatment of myasthenia gravis in the elderly (review)

A literature review on the peculiarities of the diagnosis, course and treatment of myasthenia gravis in the elderly has been done. Despite the fact that myasthenia gravis is a disease of the young and middle-aged, in recent years, several authors observe an increased incidence among the elderly. A proper diagnosis in this age group tend to cause difficulties, and concomitant diseases complicate the choice of therapeutic approach which includes: acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, steroids, immunosuppressants, intravenous immunoglobulins and plasmapheresis. Thymectomy in older age groups, except for the presence of thymoma, due to side effects and the lack of a strong evidence base, is not widely held. The question of the effectiveness and optimal therapeutic approach of myasthenia gravis in elderly patients is still not fully resolved.

myasthenia gravis, elderly, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, thymoma, Thymectomy, intravenous immunoglobulins, immunosuppressive therapy, myasthenic crisis