Myasthenia gravis (M.g.) is a common neuromuscular disease with prevalences of 10 patients per 100000 residents. Progress in medical therapy has continuously increased life expectancy in M.g. patients. In this study we followed the issue inasmuch M.g. patients seek for complementary care. In collaboration with the German Myasthenia Association, the self-help organization for patients, 2150 patients were asked to work on a mailed questionnaire on health care situation. The questions were related to demographical data, impairments, therapeutical course, use of complementary therapies, illness related costs and quality of life (SF-36). 1525 patients (average age: 57 years; m/f: 40/60) participated resulting in a response rate of 71%. Over 70% of the patients reported problems in using their arms and moving around, about 40% indicated difficulties in swallowing and ptosis. About 4% seek regular treatment by non-medical practitioners. Nearly 25% reported to spend between 5-500 USD monthly for non-medical practitioners and alternative medical therapies, especially homeopathy, vitamins and acupuncture. Compared with M.g. patients who were not spending additional money, these patients reported significantly more annual visits at their physician and they experienced significantly decreased quality of life in all dimensions of the SF-36. The results indicate that M.g. patients spent considerable amount of money for complementary medicine even in a health care system in which neurological therapy is covered by the state health insurance. It can be followed that successful managed care in M.g. patients depends not only on evidence-based therapies but also on measures improving quality of life.
Learning Objectives: N/A.
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Chronic Diseases
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.