Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Institute Outcomes
Neuromuscular Disorders
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic disease affecting the junction between nerves and muscles, characterized by symptoms that may include fluctuating double vision, droopy eyelid, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and limb weakness. In some cases, weakness can be life-threatening, requiring inpatient care and sometimes intubation. Cures are uncommon, but many effective treatments are available. Cleveland Clinic’s Neuromuscular Center offers an individualized approach to treating patients with MG. The effectiveness of treatment depends on many factors, including the severity and duration of the disease, patient’s age and overall health, and treatment modality.
Myasthenia Gravis Patients: Change in Activities of Daily Living (N = 176)
2009 – 2023
MG-ADL = Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living
The Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scale, an 8-item questionnaire focusing on symptoms commonly reported in MG patients, has been demonstrated to be a useful tool for both research evaluation and disease severity monitoring. A lower score indicates less severe symptoms. The change in MG-ADL score was analyzed at the last follow-up visit in MG patients initially assessed in the Neuromuscular Center between 2009 and 2023. During this period, 81.8% of patient scores were stable or improved. Despite optimal medical management to balance symptom suppression and medication side effects, some MG patients may experience intermittent exacerbations. At the time of their most recent follow-up visit, 18.2% of MG patients worsened from their initial baseline, based on the MG-ADL scale. The average change in MG-ADL score was 1.3 (SD = 3.9). Clinically meaningful change was defined as a 2-point improvement in MG-ADL score. N = MG patients with MG-ADL data available during at least 2 visits between 2010 and 2023. Median duration of follow-up was 1281.5 days (range, 21-5421).¹
