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Semin Neurol 2004; 24(1): 101-110
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-829591
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in Childhood

P. Ian Andrews1
  • 1Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics, University of New South Wales, and Paediatric Neurologist, Sydney Children's Hospital, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
01 July 2004 (online)

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The recent identification of an autoimmune process targeting muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) in a subset of seronegative patients with autoimmune myasthenia gravis promises to improve diagnostic accuracy and redirect therapy in at least some seronegative children and adolescents with myasthenia. Clinical features, diagnostic methods, and management strategies pertinent to children with autoimmune myasthenia are discussed, as well as the emerging data regarding the anti-MuSK autoimmune process in myasthenia gravis.

KEYWORDS

Juvenile myasthenia gravis - MuSK antibody - seronegative - thymectomy

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P. I AndrewsM.B.B.S. 

Division of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital

High Street, Randwick 2031, Australia

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