Patients With Myasthenia Gravis Face Treatment Inequality Issues
A survey of U.S. neurologists found that patients with generalized myasthenia gravis who face challenges like cost and transportation issues have a harder time accessing and continuing their treatment, leading to a higher risk of hospitalizations.
By Isabella Ciccone, MPH Â | Â Published on November 3, 2023
5 min read
A. Gordon Smith, MD, FAAN
A new survey of neurologists in the U.S. found that patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who face social challenges, like financial issues or trouble getting transportation, have more difficulty accessing and staying on their treatments.1 Many doctors said these patients struggle to afford their medications, face hurdles with insurance approval, and have a harder time getting to treatment centers. Because of these issues, these patients are also more likely to end up in the hospital due to a worsening of their condition.
Doctors reported that around 33% of their gMG patients deal with these challenges, and about 75% said it's harder for these patients to afford the prescribed therapies. In addition, 67% of neurologists observed that these patients find it more difficult to continue treatment, and 60% noted that they are more likely to have serious health complications, like hospitalizations.
Doctors believe that to reduce these treatment gaps, we need to help with costs, provide better transportation options, and improve in-home treatment services. They also emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and advocating for patients. This data was shared at the November 2023 American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, by A. Gordon Smith, MD, FAAN, professor and chair of neurology, and Kenneth and Dianne Wright Distinguished Chair in clinical and translational research at Virginia Commonwealth University, and his team.
In another related study presented at the same event, doctors noted that these same patients often face delays in getting diagnosed.2 About 55% of neurologists said these patients experience a longer time between the start of symptoms and diagnosis, and they tend to get diagnosed more often in hospitals. Moreover, many of these patients miss appointments due to transportation problems, scheduling conflicts, or difficulty seeking regular care, which adds to their health challenges.
An original version of this article was published on sister site Neurology Live.
REFERENCES
1. Wright N, Gelinas D, Nisbet P, et al. Treatment-Related Inequities in Patients With Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Facing Social Determinants of Health Challenges: A Survey of Neurologists in the United States. Presented at: American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) meeting; November 1-4, 2023; Phoenix, AZ. Abstract 139.
2. Wright N, Gelinas D, Nisbet P, et al. Diagnosis Inequities In Patients With Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Facing Social Determinants Of Health Challenges: A Survey Of Neurologists In The United States.Presented at: American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) meeting; November 1-4, 2023; Phoenix, AZ. Abstract 138.
