• Research Paper on:
    Myasthenia Gravis

    Number of Pages: 5

     

    Summary of the research paper:

    A 5 page research paper that discusses this autoimmune disorder, its pathophysiology, current research and the application of this research to nursing, that is, what questions does research answer and what questions are left to be answered. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

    Name of Research Paper File: D0_khmgres2.rtf

    Buy This Research Paper »

     

    Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
    (Yee). As an autoimmune disorder, it occurs when antibodies develop and then attack the muscle acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) (Vincent, Palace and Hilton 2122). In other words, the antibodies "bind to  and degrade acetylcholine (Ach) receptors on the muscle surface" (Yee). Because the antibodies impair the ability of nerves to contract the voluntary muscles, the individual experiences progressive muscle weakness (Yee).  Pathophysiology: In the majority of patients, myasthenia gravis is "caused by pathogenic antibodies to the muscle form of the nicotinic AChR" (Vincent, Palace and Hilton 2122). The role  of these antibodies in the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis was definitively established in the 1970s. Plasma exchanges, which removes the circulating antibodies from the blood, leads to a temporary, but  substantial improvement, in muscle functioning that can last as long as 2 months (Vincent, Palace and Hilton 2122). The antibodies are believed to lead to a decline in functional AChRs  at the neuromuscular junction and that three mechanisms are believed to be involved; however, the significance of these mechanisms in the progression of the disease is still unclear (Vincent, Palace  and Hilton 2122). The clinical course of myasthenia gravis varies and is frequently affected by "recurrent illness, emotions and medications" (Yee). The weakness may be confined to specific muscle  group, such as "those that control the eye," or it may become more generalized (Yee). The patients facial expression and speech may become altered and muscle weakness in the mouth  and throat may make impair chewing and swallowing (Yee). One of the most serious complications associated with myasthenia gravis is when muscle weakness affects the "intercostal muscles and the diaphragm"  (Yee). The patient may become breathless and "unable to cough and clear secretions," which is a situation that can develop into "respiratory distress," requiring ventilation (Yee). Research: A study 

    Back to Research Paper Results