© Springer-Verlag France 2015
Cyril Mauffrey and David J. Hak (eds.)Passport for the Orthopedic Boards and FRCS Examination10.1007/978-2-8178-0475-0_27Neuromuscular Junction Conditions
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Pediatric Orthopedics, Childrens’ Orthopedic Centre, Mumbai, India
1 Myasthenia Gravis
Take-Home Message
The key feature of myasthenia gravis is a history of muscle weakness precipitated by activity, termed fatigability.
A positive edrophonium chloride (Tensilon) test confirms the diagnosis.
Patients currently considered appropriate candidates for thymectomy are those whose response to anticholinesterase medications and immunosuppressants is unsatisfactory and those who prefer surgery to long-term immunosuppressant therapy.
Definition
Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disease in which antibodies are produced to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction. As a result, impulses cannot be transmitted properly across the junction, and the patient experiences muscle weakness or paralysis following repetitive activity.
Only about 10 % of patients with myasthenia gravis are children.
Etiology
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