swiss medicaMyasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder with symptoms of fatigue and weakness in skeletal muscles. The disease is characterized by neuromuscular junction dysfunction, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. In a few cases, myasthenia gravis has also been associated with the thymus gland dysfunction that plays a crucial role in carrying out normal immune functions.
Management of myasthenia gravis involves medications like immune suppressants, plasma exchange therapies, etc. However, stem cell-based myasthenia gravis therapy offers renewed hope for treating immune disorders and providing more effective and long-lasting treatment options for patients who do not respond well to traditional therapies.
In this article, we will take a look at types of MSA, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, myasthenia gravis treatments, and advantages of stem cell-based therapy.
What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by interference between nerves and muscle communication, leading to weakness of skeletal muscles.
What are the Types of MG?
There are no types of Myasthenia Gravis; however, to understand the condition and its characteristics better, clinicians have categorized myasthenia gravis according to:
- Types of muscles involved
- Age for the onset of disease
- Types of antibodies being produced
- Involvement of thymus gland
It’s important to know that MG and congenital myasthenia gravis (CMG) are two separate conditions. Hence, an approach to the treatment of congenital myasthenia gravis differs significantly from that of acquired myasthenia gravis.
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What are the Causes?
Scientists are unable to find the exact cause of MG; however, like other immune disorders, the immune system targets components of the neuromuscular junction, resulting in the disruption of normal communication between nerves and muscles.
Some factors that have been found to be associated are
- Autoimmune response
- Thymus gland abnormalities
- Genetic factors
- Environmental factors
What are the Symptoms?
Myasthenia gravis can manifest a variety of symptoms, varying from person to person. While some experience mild symptoms, others may experience severe symptomatic. Some common symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness
- Physical fatigue and mental exhaustion after doing simple tasks
- Eyelids drooping e (ptosis)
- Double Vision (diplopia)
- Facial muscle weakness resulting in problems like smiling and chewing
- Limb weakness
- Difficulty to speak, leading to slurred speech
- Difficulty to swallow, causing an increased risk of choking
How to Diagnose?
To initiate myasthenia treatment, a diagnosis of MG is necessary. This involves doctors performing a series of evaluations, laboratory tests, and specialized imaging examinations.
Clinical Evaluation
The physician will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess the strength of the muscles, reflexes, and patterns of muscle weakness.
Antibody Test
The test identifies the presence of acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR) a common found among patients suffering from myasthenia gravis.
Electrophysiological Study
This test is used to measure electrical activity between muscle fibers. The abnormalities in the transmission of impulses between nerves and muscles help detect the intensity of the muscle weakness.
Imaging Tests
These tests help rule out the presence of thymoma associated with some cases of MG. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate myasthenia gravis treatment approach. When the diagnosis of a thymoma in an MG patient is established, the neoplasm should be removed surgically, and radical excision of the thymoma is crucial.
What are the Interventions?
Treatment strategies aim to improve muscle strength to reduce the symptoms. Here are some of them:
- Pharmacological treatments including immunosuppressive, anticholinesterase, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis.
- Thymectomy (removal of thymus gland).
- Lifestyle modifications such as avoiding wearying activities, nutritional adjustments, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
- Regular clinical visits and pulmonary function tests that will help to prevent from myasthenic crisis treatment in case of respiratory complications.
- Careful consideration of medications for the treatment of hypertension in myasthenia gravis to avoid exacerbation of muscle weakness.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy and How It Can Help Myasthenia Gravis Patients?
Stem cell therapy involves the use of specialized cells that activate the stem pool and its regenerative capacity, prevent autoimmune aggression, and improve neuromuscular conduction.
When myasthenia gravis is treated with stem cells, it can result in numerous benefits:
- Immune system regulation that leads to long-term remission or significant improvement in symptoms.
- Immunomodulation that helps reduce immune response, inflammations, and severity of autoimmune attacks.
- Prevention of side effects due to medications for immune suppression.
- Improved symptoms, such as reduced muscle weakness and fatigue.
Indications And Contraindications
Indications for myasthenia gravis treatment with stem cells include:
- Refractory myasthenia gravis
- Severe condition
- Frequent crisis
- Poor tolerance to medications
Contradictions include:
- Infection or sepsis
- Severe comorbid conditions
- Poor overall health
- Pregnancy
- Psychiatric inability
Myasthenia Gravis Stem Cells Treatment Program In Swiss Medica Clinic
In the Swiss Medica clinic, myasthenia gravis is treated by harnessing the regenerative abilities of stem cells. We use adult multipotential mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) because of their safety of use and indefinite benefits in symptom management of myasthenia gravis, such as
- Immunomodulatory properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Neo angiogenesis.
The Advantages Of Our Treatment System
Stem cell treatment at Swiss Medica offers several potential benefits to patients suffering from mild to severe symptoms of MG; for instance
- Reduced risk of autoimmunity
- Long-term remission
- Reduced myasthenia medication for symptom management
- Enhanced physical strength
- Reduced fatigue and overall symptoms
- Personalized treatment
- Reduced risk of rejection and side effects
What’s the Prognosis?
Due to clinical advancements, the prognosis for MG has significantly improved over the years. Although the symptoms and severity of MG may differ from person to person, many patients are able to significantly improve their condition and enjoy independent lives. The general prognosis for myasthenia gravis includes:
- Life expectancy
- Symptom management
- Course of disease
- Impact of thymectomy.
Factors influencing prognosis are:
- Characteristics of disease
- Age at the onset of disease
- Classification of MG
- Response to Treatment
- Presence of thymoma
- Psychosocial factors
- Quality of life
- Long term overlook.
Cost Of Stem Cell Therapy For Myasthenia Gravis
Most myasthenia gravis treatment options can range from €7,000 to €25,000 depending
upon a number of factors, for instance:
- Type of stem cells used
- Source of stem cells
- Complexity of the procedure
- The severity of the condition
- Additional treatments and medications
- Type of facility
- Insurance and coverage
- Long-term follow-up and rehabilitation.
We encourage patients to contact our stem cell therapy experts at the Swiss Medica for information on the indications, contraindications, and costs associated with stem cell therapy for rheumatoid vasculitis. We offer complimentary online consultations with no obligation for all myasthenia gravis patients.
Contact us
Contact us to learn about the expected results of the treatment, its cost and duration.
Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
List of References
Myasthenia gravis – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. (2023, June 22). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myasthenia-gravis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352040
Website, N. (2024, March 20). Treatment. nhs. uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/myasthenia-gravis/treatment/
Romi F. Thymoma in myasthenia gravis: from diagnosis to treatment. Autoimmune Dis. 2011;2011:474512. doi: 10.4061/2011/474512. Epub 2011 Aug 10. PMID: 21860784; PMCID: PMC3155972.
Shawn J Bird, MD. Overview of the treatment of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate. (n.d.) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-treatment-of-myasthenia-gravis
Phillips, W. D., & Vincent, A. (2016). Pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis: update on disease types, models, and mechanisms. F1000Research, 5. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.8206.1
Huang, E. J. C., Wu, M. H., Wang, T. J., Huang, T. J., Li, Y. R., & Lee, C. Y. (2023). Myasthenia gravis: Novel findings and perspectives on traditional to regenerative therapeutic interventions. Aging and Disease, 14(4), 1070. doi: 10.14336/AD.2022.1215
Dpt, M. a. L. P. (2022, February 23). Myasthenia gravis prognosis. Rare Disease Advisor. https://www.rarediseaseadvisor.com/disease-info-pages/myasthenia-gravis-prognosis/
Menon, D., Barnett, C., & Bril, V. (2020). Novel treatments in myasthenia gravis. Frontiers in Neurology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00538
Wildberger, A. C. B. (2022, September 29). Therapeutic approach for Myasthenia Gravis using conditioned mesenchymal stromal cells. https://theses.hal.science/tel-04223527/
MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist
