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Incidence of Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in a Health Maintenance Organization in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Published:1st Aug 2017

Author: Bettini M, Chaves M, Cristiano E, Pagotto V, Perez L, Giunta D et al.

Source: Neuroepidemiology

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Ref.:Neuroepidemiology. 2017;48(3-4):119-123.

DOI:10.1159/000477733

Incidence of Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in a Health Maintenance Organization in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Background: Different epidemiological studies, especially in Europe, have estimated the incidence density of myasthenia gravis (MG) to range between 1.7 and 21.3/1,000,000/person-year; however, data from regions such as Latin America are scarce. This study is aimed at estimating the incidence and prevalence of acquired MG in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Methods: The study population comprised of affiliates of the Italian Hospital Medical Care Program, a prepaid health maintenance organization located in Buenos Aires. The evaluation method for case detection included a retrospective search from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2012.

Results: Of the 60 cases identified, 36 (60%) were females. The median age at diagnosis was 69 years (IQR 51.5-79). The mean age at diagnosis was 63.3 years (SD ±20). A total of 28 patients (46.7%) had generalized MG and 32 had ocular MG (53.3%). Thirty five patients (58.3%) had acetylcholine receptor antibodies and 2 (3.3%) had muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase antibodies. The crude incidence density (ID) of MG was 61.33 per 1,000,000 person-years (95% CI 47.62-79.99). The adjusted ID for the Argentinean population was 38.8 per 1,000,000 person-years (95% CI 27.09-50.51) and for the Buenos Aires population was 47.49 (95% CI 34.73-60.25).

Conclusions: The results obtained are similar to those published for other geographical areas.

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