Prevalence of factors associated with poor outcomes of hospitalized myasthenia gravis patients in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence of hospitalized myasthenia gravis (MG), and to determine the factors associated with poor outcomes of hospitalized MG patients at a national level. METHODS This study was based on a retrospective design. We collected data of hospitalized MG adults recorded by the National Health Security Office, Bangkok, Thailand between October 2009 and September 2010. Clinical data and treatment outcomes were examined. RESULTS The total number of hospitalized MG patients was 936 cases. The prevalence rate of hospitalized MG patients was 2.17/100,000 population. The average age (SD) was 44.93 (14.16) years. Regarding the discharge status of MG patients, 845 cases (90.3%) had improved. The total hospital charge of MG patients was 64,332,806 baht (USD 2,144,426.87) or an average of 68,731.63 baht/admission (USD 2,291.05), with an average length of stay of 10.45 days. There were 3 significant factors associated with poor outcomes in hospitalized MG patients; namely, hospital category, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. CONCLUSION The prevalence of admission in MG patients was 2.17 persons/100,000 population. Hospital category, pneumonia, and respiratory failure were significant factors associated with poor outcomes.