Functioning of Patients with Myasthenia Gravis after Plasmapheresis

Abstract

Introduction. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the postsynaptic part of the neuromuscular junction. A characteristic symptom of myasthenia gravis is the so-called fatigability or muscle fatigue, which also affects the respiratory muscles. Plasmapheresis is one of the treatments that improve breathing and reduce the symptoms that cause muscle weakness.
Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the functioning of patients with myasthenia gravis before and after plasmapheresis.
Material and Methods. The research was conducted in 2019 in the Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care department on a group of 30 patients with clinically confirmed myasthenia gravis. The author’s questionnaire was used to assess the functioning of patients. The research was approved by the Bioethics Committee.
Results. The patient’s condition improved after the procedure in each of the analysed areas of functioning (physical activity, movement, breathing, swallowing, mood, social functioning). The plasmapheresis most preferably affected the area of physical activity of the subjects. The conducted statistical analysis proved a significant difference (p = 0.000) for all results, in every aspect (before and after the procedure). At the same time, the highest average increase was observed in relation to physical activity — an increase of 3.17 points.
Conclusions. Plasmapheresis had a positive effect on patients’ health in both physical and mental aspects. (JNNN 2019;8(4):143–147)