[Effects of the thymectomy in a rehabilitation program and in quality of life in patients with myasthenia gravis].

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to estimate the effects of a rehabilitation program on patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) subordinates to thymectomy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Patients were evaluated at baseline (T1) and at the end of the pulmonary rehabilitation. (T2), by undergoing spirometric measurements, 6-Minutes Walking Test (6MWT), Berg Balance Scales (BBS), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) and Short 36 Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2). The rehabilitation program included exercise to improve the respiratory functionality, the cardiovascular fitness and the global posture.

OUTCOME: A single patient obtained improvement pulmonary function, unmodified in the others two patients. Mobility and balance, estimated by the RMI and BBS, effort tolerance, estimated by the 6-MWT QOL, estimated by means of SF36v2 improved, and dyspnoea (Borg scale) reduction was obtained in all of the patients.

DISCUSSION: A specific rehabilitative protocol does not exist for the patients with MG subordinates to thymectomy. The AA. conclude that the training relieves dyspnoea, increases the capacity to walk, and improves health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Future studies will define the role of the rehabilitation for, these patients and will optimize the protocol.