Treatment-related Characteristics Among Younger Women with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis
Jacqueline Pesa1, Louis Jackson1, Alexander Keenan1, Nolan Campbell1, Gregor Gibson2, Joe Conyers2, Neelam Goyal3
1Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, 2Adelphi Real World, 3Stanford University
Objective:

To describe current and historical patterns of treatments among younger women with generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG).

Background:

In women, the diagnosis of gMG is often made during childbearing years. There is a lack of research in women during this critical life stage where family planning and other priorities present differentiating considerations for gMG management.

Design/Methods:

Data were drawn from the Adelphi gMG Disease Specific Programme, an extensive cross-sectional dataset of US-based MG-treating neurologists and their consulting MG patients collected between January and August 2024. Descriptive data on demographics, clinical characteristics, current and treatment history are presented for women ages 18-45 along with comparison groups.

Results:

Data was collected from 40 neurologists with respect to 266 gMG patients: 55 women aged 18-45 (younger women), 24 men ages 18-45 (younger men), 73 women >46 (older women), and 114 men >46 (older men). Among younger women, 1 patient was pregnant and 4 had informed their physician of their plans to become pregnant in the next 12 months. Physicians cited 18% of younger women refused treatment as the reason for lack of prescription of MG medication (vs 3% older women, 8% younger men, 6% older men). A total of 27% of younger women had received Methotrexate and 18% Mycophenolate mofetil, which are contraindicated in pregnancy. Additionally, 42% of younger women were not in remission at the time of survey (vs 25% older women, 33% younger men, 32% older men), respectively.

Conclusions:

gMG in younger women has impacts that may differ from other groups. This analysis found a high percentage not receiving treatment for MG and use of medications contraindicated in pregnancy. This data supports the need for education on treatment options and benefit/risk of maintenance therapies in this patient population. Improving care for younger women with gMG represents a significant opportunity.

10.1212/WNL.0000000000211430
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