Low blood levels of regulatory immune cells that prevent autoimmune responses, and high levels of antibody-producing memory B-cells may cause ocular myasthenia gravis (MG) to progress to generalized MG, an early study suggests. The study, “Comparison of peripheral blood B cell subset ratios and B cell-related cytokine levels between…
The protein osteopontin, thought to be involved in autoimmunity and inflammation, appears to aggravate myasthenia gravis (MG) progression by promoting the production of self-reacting immune cells while lessening the number of cells that safeguard the body against autoimmune reactions, an early study in rats has found. In…
Surgery to remove the thymus gland, a procedure often recommended to people with myasthenia gravis whether or not tumors exist, is more likely to result in complete disease remission when the surgery is assisted by robots, a study found. The study, “Improvement in symptom remission rate…
In recognition of Rare Disease Day Feb. 29, Bionews Services launched a social media campaign last month asking patients to describe what makes them rare. Running Feb. 7–29, the #WhatMakesMeRare campaign was aimed at uplifting people with rare diseases by encouraging them to share their stories and perspectives. The…
Harbour BioMed‘s HBM9161 was found to be safe and effective at reducing the levels of autoimmune disease-associated antibodies in many disorders, including myasthenia gravis, a Phase 1 trial shows. In autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis, a type of antibody known as immunoglobulin G (IgG) attacks the…
Beginning on Feb. 29, Rare Disease Day, chapters from notable scientific books and clinical review articles covering rare disorders will be available free-of-charge from Elsevier. The offer runs through April 30, and aims to supports work by researchers and clinicians into a better understanding of and treatments for rare diseases, as well…
Starting a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit isn’t easy, but the National Organization for Rare Disorders gave a few tips for those  looking to begin the complex process in its Feb. 20 webinar. William Whitman…
Mental health must be a clinical priority when treating people with myasthenia gravis (MG), in addition to caring for physical symptoms, argues a recent case report. The researchers said mental health crises can exacerbate MG symptoms. Titled “Comorbid Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms…
A 54-year-old man with treatment-resistant myasthenia gravis (MG) saw his sleep quality and respiratory symptoms improve after being treated with at-home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with volume-assured pressure support (VAPS), according to a case study. He “experienced marked improvement in sleep quality, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness”…
An abundance of events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2020 on Feb. 29. The activities are focused on heightening awareness about rare diseases and the hundreds of millions of individuals they are thought to affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide will sport denim ribbons…
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