Objective:

To evaluate the impact of immunosuppression and other factors on incidence of COVID-19 infection among myasthenia gravis patients. 

Background:

Myasthenia gravis patients are often treated with immunosuppressive agents and therefore may have higher risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection and more disease severity. Other MG-associated factors, such as bulbar weakness, have also been suggested as a predisposing risk for COVID-19 infection.  

Design/Methods:

From February to November 2022 we gathered responses from MG patients using an IRB-approved survey. We collected data regarding MG including duration of MG diagnosis, symptomatic weakness, and immunotherapeutic agent. Additional factors included age, gender, vaccination status and finally history of COVID-19 infection. 

Results:

We surveyed 46 MG patients (median age 62 y; males 50%), 16 (34%) of which were confirmed to have COVID-19 infection. Using logistic regression models, immunosuppression was not associated with increased risk for COVID-19 infection. Other variables surveyed, including symptomatic weakness and duration of MG, also were not associated with increased COVID-19 risk.  

Conclusions:

The risk of contracting COVID-19 does not appear to increase for MG patients on immunosuppressive therapy in our study. Possible study limitations include small study size, however. Many study participants had also been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 infection, and there is no accounting for possible social distancing/protective behaviors undertaken.