Health-related quality of life in myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a relatively rare but insufficiently known disease of social significance, for which data on health-

related quality of life (HRQOL) and socio-economic burden are particularly scarce worldwide. The purpose of this review is to present a summary of the results on HRQOL in MG, reported in the available contemporary literature, as well as to outline strategies for its improvement. Published data on HRQOL vary by country, with different research methodologies having an impact as well. A significant relationship between clinical factors and HRQOL has been established. Worse HRQOL is reported at a higher frequency of symptoms and severity, at a higher level of disability, and in the case of bulbar or generalized manifestation. Loss of employment and presence of depression are more reliable predictors of worsening HRQOL in MG patients than severity of physical symptoms. Presence of comorbidity adversely affects HRQOL, especially in

psycho-emotional and mental aspects.

Timely and adequate therapy for MG, leading to reduction of disability, is associated with better HRQOL. The correct medical approach optimizes mainly the physical aspects of HRQOL, while psychosocial rehabilitation is recommended for reduction of psycho-emotional symptoms. The latter has not been introduced yet in many countries, including Bulgaria.