Myasthenia gravis and pregnancy

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterised by fluctuating muscle weakness, which worsens during activity. It affects particularly scapular and pelvic girdles, axial and bulbar muscles. Myasthenia gravis is twice more frequent in women and symptoms often appear in the second and third decade of life. Thus, a growing number of women affected by this condition become pregnant. To minimise the effects of myasthenia gravis on pregnancy and the newborn, and to avoid myasthenia crisis in the post-partum, the pregnancy must be planned as far as possible. During pregnancy, treatment must be reviewed due to the threat of teratogenic effects (mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab), and the follow-up must be multidisciplinary.

Keywords: Myasthenia gravis; Pathophysiology; Pregnancy; Treatment.