Ventilatory failure in myasthenia gravis. Issue 3 (March 1982)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferguson, I T; Murphy, R P; Lascelles, R G
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 45:Issue 3(1982)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 222
• Publication Date: 1982-03
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.45.3.217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : This retrospective study over the decade 1969-1978 examines the precipitating factors and outcome in thirty-one patients with myasthenia gravis who developed ventilatory failure. An unusual example of chronic alveolar hypoventilation is discussed in detail. The most favourable outcome occurred in younger patients with a hyperplastic thymus, in contrast to a poorer outlook for older patients with an atrophic gland. Eleven patients died during the period of follow up: three deaths were unrelated to myasthenia but the remaining eight were attributed directly or indirectly to it. The mortality of 36% represents a marked improvement on a 70% mortality in a similar group of patients, reported from this hospital for the years 1960-1968.