Neostigmine test: best alternative to Tensilon test for diagnosing myasthenia gravis

Session Details

Session Title: Presented Poster Session: New & Interesting II

Venue: Poster Village: Pod 3

First Author: : S.Zaidi UK

Co Author(s): :    N. Nizamani                       

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To present our experience of Neostigmine Test for diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis.

Setting:

1 Ali Trust Free Eye Hospital, Okara, Pakistan,  2 Department of Ophthalmology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Hyderabad, Pakistan.

Methods:

A comparative study was performed to determine the role of Neostigmine Test and Tensilon Test in diagnosing myasthenia gravis. All patients who presented to us with variable ptosis or diplopia between January 2008 and January 2012, with positive Ice Pack Test were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups; one group was subjected to Neostigmine Test and other Tensilon Test to diagnose myasthenia gravis. Neostigmine Test was done in the theatre by injecting Neostigmine 0.02-0.05 mg/kg intravenously and observations were made. The results were compared to determine the efficacy of both tests.

Results:

Total 10 patients met the criteria and 5 were included in each group. 80% of the patients were males and 20% females. Neostigmine Test was positive in 100% patients while Tensilon Test in 80%. The duration of action of Tensilon lasted 2-5 minutes and Neostigmine from one hour to one day.

Conclusions:

Neostigmine Test is a safe, cheap and easily available alternate to Tensilon Test. Further its longer duration of action and lesser side effects is very useful especially in children. We recommend Neostigmine Test for diagnosing myasthenia gravis.

Financial Disclosure:

None