Family history and myasthenia gravis: Is there a connection?
Fact-checked by Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) can make you wonder why you developed the disease and whether you can pass it on to your children. It’s natural to have these questions, especially when you’re planning a family.
You may find it reassuring to know that the condition is not considered hereditary and that it’s rare for more than one family member to have it. Still, learning more about the interactions between genetics and the immune system, which are involved in most cases of MG, can help you better understand the disease and bring you peace of mind.
Family history and autoimmune diseases
Even though MG is not hereditary, your doctor may still ask you about any family history of autoimmune diseases — in which your immune system attacks your own healthy cells — because these conditions tend to run in families.
Research has shown that if someone has a family member with an autoimmune disease, they are more likely to also develop MG, and to a lesser extent, other autoimmune diseases. The closer the family member is, the higher the risk of an autoimmune condition.
In other words, while MG is not usually inherited, families may share genetic traits that increase the overall likelihood of developing MG and other autoimmune diseases among relatives.
In addition, a person with one autoimmune condition has an increased risk of developing another one. As an example, it is estimated that between 5% and 10% of people with MG have another autoimmune disease. The conditions that most commonly co-occur with MG are:
- autoimmune thyroid disease
- rheumatoid arthritis
- systemic lupus erythematosus
These same conditions may also be more common in the relatives of a person with MG. Knowing your family history of such conditions can help explain why you have developed MG. It can also help your doctor evaluate whether you may be at risk for other autoimmune diseases.
Considerations for family planning
While the likelihood of your child developing the disease is very low, one potentially relevant issue is a temporary newborn condition called transient neonatal MG. It is caused by antibodies passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy. It is rare and occurs in about 10% to 15% of babies born to women with MG.
Symptoms include muscle weakness, a weak cry, and poor feeding, and usually go away within a few weeks. Having the condition does not increase the baby’s risk of MG later in life.
Final thoughts
It is understandable to have questions and concerns about MG and genetics. But keep in mind that the condition is rarely inherited.
Although there may be a tendency to develop autoimmune diseases within the same family, due to certain characteristics of the immune system, the likelihood of your children developing MG remains low.
Understanding your family history can provide helpful information for decision-making about your future and help you feel more supported in family planning.
Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
