To explore the relationship between generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG) severity and the ability to work and perform normal daily activities.

GMG is a rare and chronic autoantibody neuromuscular disease which manifests as muscle weakness and fatigue. The symptoms of gMG may affect patients’ ability to work and perform daily activities.

Data came from the Adelphi gMG Disease Specific Programme (DSP), a cross-sectional survey of MG treating physicians and their consulting MG patients, administered in 5 European countries and the US between March and September 2020. Patient data included demographics, severity based on Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification (class I least severe, class V most severe) and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Patients completed the Work, Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Linear regressions assessed the relationship between MGFA class and WPAI while controlling for age and CCI.

A total of 257 people with MGFA class II-IV (gMG) completed at least one of the WPAI questions: 40% were employed full/part-time, 41% were on long-term sick leave or retired. Mean age was 54.7 years; 52.9% were male. There was no significant association between MGFA class II or III-IV on the percentage of work time missed (n=90, p=0.44). MGFA class III-IV gMG were associated with a 14.3% higher impairment while working vs class II (n=94, p=0.01) and were associated with 14.8% higher overall work impairment due to gMG (n=84; p=0.04). Respondents with class III-IV gMG reported 15.5% higher impairment in normal daily activities than the less severe class II respondents (n=257, p<0.01).

Generalized Myasthenia Gravis impacts the ability to work and perform daily activities with more severe disease associated with greater impairment. Treatments that control symptoms resulting in less severe disease could have a positive impact on work and daily activities of patients living with gMG.