title: [Two children seriously weakened by myasthenia].
abstract: Two boys, aged 2 and 11 years, presented with fever and muscle weakness that resulted in respiratory insufficiency. A physical examination and additional tests confirmed the diagnosis 'myasthenia'. Acetyl cholinesterase-inhibitor therapy had a favourable effect. Myasthenia is a diagnosis that should be considered for every child presenting with muscle weakness of unknown origin.
authors.affiliation: Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Medisch Centrum, Alkmaar.
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Schrijver-Levie
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Boersma
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: ten Houten
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005334:Fever; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018908:Muscle Weakness; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009426:Netherlands; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000276:immunology*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic