Sleep disorders in patients with myasthenia gravis: a systematic review

Abstract

[Purpose] This systematic review evaluated the presence of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with myasthenia gravis and clarified the role of physiotherapy. [Subjects and Methods] We followed the PRISMA declaration criteria. The evaluation was performed in accordance with the STROBE statement for observational and cross-sectional studies and the CONSORT checklist for clinical trials. Searches were followed by hand on MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, PubMed Central, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. [Results] Our searches yielded a total of 36 studies published between 1970 and 2014. The number of patients involved ranged from 9–490. Of the 36 studies, 19 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Therefore, 17 observational, cross-sectional, or clinical studies assessing the quality of sleep and prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with myasthenia gravis were eligible for our review. [Conclusion] Some studies of patients with MG show that patients with MG are associated with poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, presence of restless syndrome, and a higher incidence of SDB, while other studies do not report such associations. Therefore, given the current inconclusive evidence and limited literature, further study of sleep disturbances in patients with MG is needed.

Respiratory Dysfunction and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children With Myasthenia Gravis

“…20,22 In contrast, the literature on respiratory dysfunction and nocturnal hypoventilation in children with myasthenia gravis is sparse. [23][24][25] Garcia Rio et al studied 24 nonobese adults with mild to moderate myasthenia gravis, of whom 30% were on prednisone. They assessed respiratory pressures, forced spirometry, and breathing patterns at basal conditions while sitting.…”

Management of Insomnia and Anxiety in Myasthenia Gravis

“…Existing literature on the prevalence of sleep disorders in myasthenic patients is inconsistent (8). Although some studies demonstrate associations with restless legs syndrome, poor sleep quality, and sleep disordered breathing, others do not; thus, further research is needed (8).…”

“…Existing literature on the prevalence of sleep disorders in myasthenic patients is inconsistent (8). Although some studies demonstrate associations with restless legs syndrome, poor sleep quality, and sleep disordered breathing, others do not; thus, further research is needed (8). Interestingly, although the prevalence of insomnia in the general population has been reported to be as high as 74%, the prevalence in myasthenia gravis was reported in one study to be only 39% (2,9).…”

Off-Label-Use bei Seltenen Erkrankungen (SE): Myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenisches Syndrom und kongenitale myasthenische Syndrome

“…Die schwerste Beeinträchtigung ist die Atemlähmung. Die Indikation für eine Heimbeatmung in diesen Fällen muss in der Zusammenarbeit von Neurologen und Pulmologen erarbeitet werden [41].…”