Disorders of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) comprise a spectrum of rare diseases causing muscle fatigability and weakness, leading to life-long effects on quality of life. We established the Dutch-Belgian registry for NMJ disorders, based on a unique combination of patient- and physician-reported information. Information on natural course, disease burden, prevalence of complications and comorbidity is collected through patient-reported standardized questionnaires and verified using medical documentation. Currently, the registry contains information of 565 Myasthenia Gravis (MG) patients and 38 Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) patients, constituting approximately 25% (MG) and 80% (LEMS) of patients in the Netherlands. This is a very large registry, with the highest participation rate per capita. In addition to confirming many disease characteristics previously described in the literature, this registry provides several novel insights. The reported rate of potentially corticosteroid-related comorbidity, including hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes was high, emphasizing the need to commence corticosteroid-sparing immune suppressive treatment as soon as possible. The reported rate of other auto-immune diseases is far higher than previously expected: 27% of MG and 38% of LEMS patients, and a surprisingly high number of MG patients (47%) is unaware of their antibody status. In conclusion, this registry provides a valuable collection of information regarding MG and LEMS disease course. Continuous collection of annual follow-up data will provide further longitudinal insights in disease burden, course and treatment effect.
Keywords: Disease burden; Lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome; Myasthenia gravis; Natural course; Patient-registry.
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