MG-QoL-15 scores in treated myasthenia gravis: Experience from a university hospital in India.

BACKGROUND

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder with a chronic fluctuating course. Quality of life (QoL) is affected by physical restrictions due to disease-related symptoms and effects of long-term treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess QoL in a cohort of MG with stable disease course on optimal therapy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

MG-QoL-15 was applied prospectively to 50 subjects of MG from India.

RESULTS

Mean MG-QoL-15 was 10.34 (standard deviation: 9.4; range: 0-32). Mean MG-QoL-15 scores for subjects with Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) grades I, II, and III/IV were 3.54, 9.4, and 15.94, respectively. QoL scores correlated significantly with the MGFA grade. Age, gender, thymectomized status, thymoma, and steroid therapy did not affect QoL scores. All patients with MGFA grade I scored "0" or "1" in almost all items of MG-QoL-15. Seven and 11 patients with MGFA grades III/IV reported a significant affection (scores "3" or "4") due to "trouble using my eyes" and "plan around MG," respectively; and five subjects were "frustrated by MG." None of the subjects, irrespective of their MGFA grade, reported significant difficulty in getting around public spaces due to MG, or had "trouble in performing personal grooming." One subject each reported significant "trouble driving due to MG" or felt that "MG limits ability to enjoy hobbies and fun activities."

CONCLUSION

This is the first study from India to assess QoL in MG using MG-QoL-15. Increased disease severity was reflected in worse QoL. MG-QoL-15 is a simple, quick, and user-friendly tool. Longitudinal changes in the QoL scores may be required to determine its utility in the Indian context.