Long Remission in Muscle-Specific Kinase Antibody-Positive Juvenile Myasthenia

Anlar B., Yilmaz V., Saruhan-Direskeneli G.

PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY, vol.40, no.6, pp.455-456, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 40 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2008.11.014
  • Journal Name: PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.455-456
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The clinical course of anti-muscle specific kinase-positive myasthenia in children has been little reported. Described here is the case of an 8 year-old boy who presented with ptosis and generalized weakness, which resolved within I month without any immunomodulatory treatment. This spontaneous remission lasted 6 years and was then followed by a relapse with bulbar symptoms. The patient was put on plasmapheresis; after initial benefit, symptoms worsened and serum antibody levels persisted. This case constitutes an example of the variability of the clinical presentation, course, and therapeutic response in anti-muscle specific kinase-positive myasthenia in childhood. (C) 2009 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.