PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Juvenile myasthenia gravis is a relatively rare autoimmune 
neuromuscular disorder. The pathophysiology of juvenile myasthenia gravis is 
similar to that of adult myasthenia gravis, though there remain important 
differences regarding presentation and therapeutic options. We review the 
pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options for juvenile 
myasthenia gravis.
RECENT FINDINGS: Randomized clinical studies of myasthenia gravis have been 
carried out primarily in adult populations. As juvenile myasthenia gravis is 
rare, it has been difficult to collect prospective randomized controlled data to 
evaluate treatment outcomes and efficacy. A recent retrospective series suggests 
that, as in adult myasthenia gravis, thymectomy is a viable therapeutic option 
for selected cases of generalized juvenile myasthenia gravis. This is 
corroborated by the clinical experience of the authors in a referral center with 
a cohort of patients affected by juvenile myasthenia gravis over a number of 
years.
SUMMARY: Recent studies illustrate that some, but not all, adult research on 
myasthenia gravis is applicable to children and adolescents with juvenile 
myasthenia gravis. Adult research can inform pediatric studies, but should not 
be regarded as a substitute for dedicated research in those populations.