Can I donate plasma if I have myasthenia gravis?

Certain medications may delay your ability to donate blood….Medical Conditions Affecting Donation.

Medical Conditions	Eligibility
Myasthenia Gravis	Accept if asymptomatic
Mycosis Fungoides	Permanent deferral
Myocardial infarction	Accept after one year if asymptomatic, has no limitations on activity and has letter of medical clearance

How debilitating is myasthenia gravis?

Between 15 and 20 percent of MG patients will experience a “myasthenic crisis”—difficulty breathing that can require hospitalization and may be life-threatening. While the physicality of this disorder is debilitating, the emotional strain MG patients experience can be just as devastating.

How does myasthenia gravis affect the blood?

A blood test. Most individuals with myasthenia gravis have abnormally elevated levels of acetylcholine receptor antibodies. A second antibody—called the anti-MuSK antibody—has been found in about half of individuals with myasthenia gravis who do not have acetylcholine receptor antibodies.

Is myasthenia contagious?

Myasthenia gravis is not inherited and it is not contagious. It generally develops later in life when antibodies in the body attack normal receptors on muscle.

Why does Thymectomy help myasthenia gravis?

Thymectomy is one of the main treatment methods for myasthenia gravis. It is a surgical procedure where the thymus gland is removed to stop the production of autoantibodies that mistakenly attack the muscle-nerve connections in myasthenia gravis patients.

Can you donate plasma if you have AFIB?

You cannot give blood if you ever had atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) even if it was intermittent or was successfully treated with cardioversion.

How many hours does thymectomy surgery take?

A thymectomy will typically take 1 to 3 hours to complete. This procedure is typically performed in the cardiothoracic operating room (OR). Check with your doctor about the details of your procedure. Our thoracic surgeons are able to offer the robotic approach.