Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of ocular myasthenia gravis at a tertiary eye care center in Eastern India.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was carried out from January 2007 to January 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients with OMG were included, of whom 82.5% were males and 17.5% were females. The mean age at presentation in the early and late onset groups was 31.7 ± 10.2 years and 60.4 ± 7.6 years, respectively (P < 0.001). The combined ptosis and diplopia complaints in the early and late onset groups were 50% and 21.4%, respectively (P = 0.048). Extraocular muscle weakness was seen in 50% of patients. The neostigmine test and acetylcholine receptor antibody test were positive in 90% and 77.3% of patients, respectively. At 18-month follow-up, favorable outcomes were seen in 72.5% of patients. Combined pyridostigmine and steroid treatment resulted in favorable outcomes in 55% of patients (P = 0.073).

CONCLUSION

Male preponderance and early age of onset were seen in a majority of OMG patients. The prognosis was favorable with an early treatment of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids.