# Myasthenia gravis and autoimmune overlap: Prognostic insight

## TL;DR

This study examines how comorbid autoimmune diseases affect the prognosis of myasthenia gravis in a Turkish patient group, finding no major impact on overall outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the relationship between myasthenia gravis and comorbid autoimmune diseases in a Turkish cohort.

## Key findings

- Comorbid autoimmune diseases were found in 13.6% of myasthenia gravis patients.
- Female patients with autoimmune diseases had more frequent myasthenic exacerbations and higher rituximab use.
- No significant differences in overall MG severity or prognosis were observed between groups.

## Abstract

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) frequently coexist with myasthenia gravis (MG), suggesting shared genetic and immunological mechanisms. However, the impact of comorbid ADs on MG prognosis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of MG patients with comorbid ADs in a Turkish cohort.

We retrospectively analyzed 302 MG patients treated at a tertiary center between 2010 and 2024. Patients were grouped based on the presence of comorbid ADs. Clinical characteristics, disease severity, treatment response, and prognosis were compared.

Among 302 MG patients, 41 (13.6%) had at least one comorbid AD, with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) being the most common (10.6%). ADs were more frequent in females. Patients with and without comorbid ADs showed no significant differences in MG severity, thymectomy rates, myasthenic exacerbations, or overall outcomes (p > 0.05). However, female patients with ADs experienced more frequent myasthenic exacerbations and had a higher rate of rituximab use (p < 0.05).

Comorbid ADs do not significantly impact MG severity or prognosis. Female MG patients with ADs have a higher frequency of myasthenic exacerbations and rituximab use, warranting further research. Early identification of ADs remains essential for optimal patient management.