What is the Besinger Score?

Discussion Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare disease in the pediatric population. The incidence depends on the population studied but is estimated at 1-9/1 million/year. It was first described by William Heinrich Erb in 1879. The cause is autoantibodies against components of the post-synaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, usually against the acetylcholine binding receptor (AChR). It can occur at any age but is more common in the adult population. Juvenile patients (0-19 years) are divided into prepubertal (12 years) who have disease presentations similar to the adult population. In adults there are 5 grades: ocular symptoms, mild, moderate, severe and very severe. MG symptoms include: Ocular symptoms are common Ptosis – uni- or bilateral, children may tilt head to see Ophthalmoplegic facial weakness – lid twitch, strabismus Facial/bulbar weakness Masked facies Chewing and swallowing problems Speech problems Coughing and coughing insufficiency Respiratory symptoms Respiratory insufficiency Peripheral symptoms (proximal symmetrical weakness) Exercise intolerance Fatigability Difficulty with climbing stairs, rising from seated position, personal hygiene Worsening of symptoms with Exercise Fever or infection Elevated temperature Medication Symptoms often improve with rest such as sleeping with improved symptoms at night or early in the day. Prepubertal children usually present with ocular symptoms (which can wax/wane) such as ptosis, blurred or ...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news