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Musk Antibodies

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  • MUSK ANTIBODIES

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About

blood sample
Sample

BLOOD

Gender
Gender

Both

users
Age group

7 years & above

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a condition indicated by muscular weakness and excessive fatigue in the voluntary muscles. It is caused by a disruption in the connection between the muscles and the nerves. Myasthenia gravis has no cure. However, treatment and adequate observation can help improve symptoms, such as:

  • Weakness in arms and legs
  • Blurred vision
  • Droopy eyelids 
  • Difficulty with speech
  • Chewing
  • Swallowing
  • Breathing

Although this condition can affect people of every age, it is more prevalent in women under the age of 40 and males over the age of 60.

The majority of individuals with myasthenia gravis have acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies. However, AChR antibodies are absent in about 15% of patients with myasthenia gravis. If no AChR antibodies are found, a medical provider can recommend a muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) antibody test.

The total number of people with myasthenia gravis who test negative for AChR antibodies but positive for MuSK antibodies range from 6%-50%.

Anti-muscle-specific kinase (Anti-MuSK) antibodies are autoantibodies generated by the body's immune response to attack its own muscle-specific kinase proteins. The MuSK antibody test evaluates the number of autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis patients.

This test is conducted to differentiate myasthenia gravis from other illnesses with similar symptoms, such as regular muscle fatigue and weakness. A positive test result might indicate myasthenia gravis, which is treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, as well as therapy and surgery in the case of malignancy or tumour.

Some of the other symptoms of myasthenia gravis that could prompt a healthcare provider to order a MuSK antibody test include:

  • Double vision
  • An altered gait and difficulty walking
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Difficulty keeping your head up
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Gagging and drooling
  • Muscle weakness that increases with exercise and reverses with rest
  • Reduced control over eye movement
  • Slurred speech
  • Specific muscular weakness but normal sensation
  • Weakened neck muscles.

During myasthenia gravis, the immune system creates antibodies that obstruct or kill many of the muscles' acetylcholine receptor sites. As a result, the muscles obtain fewer nerve impulses since there are fewer accessible receptor sites, resulting in fatigue. It is classified as an autoimmune disorder.

Even with a diagnosis using a MuSK antibody test, it is possible to live a regular life. Doctors frequently recommend that individuals with myasthenia gravis avoid all strenuous activity and anything that may demand significant physical exertion.

Autoimmune illnesses are not influenced by changes or variations in a particular gene. Therefore, they are not regarded as hereditary conditions. However, some people may be born with a genetic mutation that produces congenital myasthenic syndrome — a hereditary disorder with symptoms similar to myasthenia gravis but unrelated causes.
 

faqFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can myasthenia gravis be inherited?

Myasthenia gravis is not an inherited disease. Moreover, it is not infectious. It usually appears later on in life when antibodies target normal muscle receptors in the body.

How is the MuSK antibody test used?

A MuSK antibody test is used to identify myasthenia gravis (MG) in individuals who have signs and symptoms of MG but do not have AChR antibodies. The MuSK antibody test differentiates MG from other illnesses that exhibit symptoms similar to MG, such as weakness and chronic muscle fatigue.

When should one take the MuSK antibody test?

When an AChR antibody test is negative, but one continues to exhibit signs and symptoms of MG, doctors order a MuSK antibody test. The symptoms can include slurred speech, double vision, muscle exhaustion, muscle fatigue due to overworking, weakened neck muscles, difficulty chewing or swallowing, drooling, or other muscle-related issues.

How reliable is the MuSK antibody test in detecting MG?

A positive MuSK antibody test result confirms the diagnosis of MG in roughly 90% of individuals. Hence, it is considered extremely reliable. However, 6% to 12% of individuals with myasthenia can also test negative both for AChR and MuSK antibodies.

What does it mean to test positive on the MuSK antibody test?

If you have a positive MuSK antibody test result and symptoms of myasthenia gravis, you most likely have an autoimmune disease — muscle-specific kinase myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG).

How is myasthenia gravis treated?

With therapy and observation, most patients with myasthenia gravis can lead a normal life. However, a respiratory myasthenic crisis can occur when the muscles that control breathing are compromised. This is a medical emergency that frequently demands hospitalisation.

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  • 40 Years of legacy and credibility in the healthcare industry.
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  • Affordable diagnostic solutions with timely and accurate test results.
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The information mentioned above is meant for educational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute to your Physician’s advice. It is highly recommended that the customer consults with a qualified healthcare professional to interpret test results