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Myasthenic crisis

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Abstract

Myasthenic crisis is a serious occurrence, affecting up to 27% of patients with myasthenia gravis. In the approach to the patient with myasthenic crisis, (1) the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is confirmed; (2) respiratory failure is evaluated and treated in the intensive care unit, while potential precipitating factors are identified and managed; (3) immunomodulatory treatment is initiated; and (4) complications are avoided or managed promptly. The mortality rate should be 5% or less, with the elderly being most vulnerable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Neurology and Pathology (Neuropathology), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA

    David Lacomis

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  1. David Lacomis
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Correspondence to David Lacomis.

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Lacomis, D. Myasthenic crisis. Neurocrit Care 3, 189–194 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1385/NCC:3:3:189

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