title: Myasthenic crisis.
abstract: Myasthenic crisis is a serious occurrence, affecting up to 27% of patients with myasthenia gravis. In the approach to the patient with myasthenic crisis, (1) the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is confirmed; (2) respiratory failure is evaluated and treated in the intensive care unit, while potential precipitating factors are identified and managed; (3) immunomodulatory treatment is initiated; and (4) complications are avoided or managed promptly. The mortality rate should be 5% or less, with the elderly being most vulnerable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. lacomisd@upmc.edu
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lacomis
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D016638:Critical Illness; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications*; D011379:Prognosis; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology*