Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Life of Pediatric Patients with Myasthenia

Abstract

Background

The symptoms of myasthenia can fluctuate with a variety of environmental factors such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Studies in adults with myasthenia gravis have identified changes in rating of quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic although no evaluation has been performed in pediatric populations. This study sought to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life (QOL), as measured by MG-QOL15r and MG-ADL scores in a cohort of pediatric patients with myasthenia.

Methods

A single-center, retrospective review of children with myasthenia (congenital or acquired) was performed. Individuals were included if they had MG-QOL15r or MG-ADL documented between March 2020 and December 2021 as well as at least 1 prior MG-QOL15r or MG-ADL score documented between January 2019 and February 2020. QOL scores, grip or pinch strength on physical examination, physician impressions, disease duration and treatments, and demographic information were collected. Scores were analyzed using paired t tests.

Results

Of 35 individuals with myasthenia, 8 (23%) met inclusion criteria. Although there was no statistically significant difference in MG-QOL15r score (t = 2.31, P = .054), MG-ADL score (t = 2.09, P = .08), or gross grasp strength (t = 0.78, P = .46) between the 2 time points on paired t-testing, MG-QOL15r scores trended upward on visits conducted in March 2020 or afterward.

Discussion

In a small cohort of children with myasthenia, measures of quality of life were not impacted by the pandemic although trends toward decreased quality of life emerged. Further investigation into the effects of the pandemic on pediatric populations is warranted.