Effect of Treating Acute Optic Neuritis With Bioequivalent Oral vs Intravenous Corticosteroids: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Association of Individual-Level Factors With Visual Outcomes in Optic Neuritis: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Using corticosteroids to treat acute demyelinating optic neuritis has been identified as an area for shared decision-making. However, no analysis exists to support personalized shared decision-making that considers long- and short-term treatment benefits.

OBJECTIVE

To develop models of individual-level visual outcomes for patients with optic neuritis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This secondary analysis of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT), a randomized clinical trial, was performed at 14 academic eye centers and 1 large community eye center. Adults aged 18 to 46 years with incident acute unilateral optic neuritis within 8 days of vision loss onset were included. Data were collected from July 1988 to June 1991, downloaded on October 15, 2018, and analyzed from January 24, 2019, to February 20, 2020, using multivariable linear regression modeling.

EXPOSURES

Intravenous corticosteroids vs placebo.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Visual acuity (VA) at 1 year. Secondary outcomes were 1-year contrast sensitivity (CS) and VA and CS at 15 and 30 days. Independent variables included age, sex, race, multiple sclerosis status, optic neuritis episodes in the fellow eye, vision symptoms (days), pain, optic disc swelling, viral illness, treatment group, and baseline VA or CS.

RESULTS

Of the 455 participants, median age was 31.8 (interquartile range [IQR], 26.3-37.0) years; 350 (76.9%) were women; and 388 (85.3%) were white. For 410 participants (90.1%) with 1-year outcomes, median VA improved from 20/66 (IQR, 20/28-20/630) at enrollment to 20/17 (IQR, 20/14-20/21) at 1 year. Baseline VA was the primary variable associated with 1-year VA (regression coefficient, 0.056 [95% CI, 0.008-0.103]; P = .02) if baseline VA was better than count fingers (CF). At 15 days, baseline VA and treatment status were associated with VA in those participants with baseline VA better than CF (regression coefficient, 0.305 [95% CI, 0.231-0.380]; F = 9.42; P < .001). However, the difference of medians (20/18 [95% CI, 20/17-20/19] with intravenous corticosteroids vs 20/23 [95% CI, 20/21-20/26] with placebo) was small for the median VA (20/66) in the trial. Treatment was not associated with 15-day or 1-year VA in participants with baseline VA of CF or worse.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, long-term VA was associated with severity of baseline vision loss. Early benefits with intravenous corticosteroid treatment were limited to participants with baseline VA better than CF. However, the early, temporary benefit of intravenous corticosteroids is of questionable clinical significance and should be weighed against potential harms.

The International Multiple Sclerosis Visual System Consortium: Advancing Visual System Research in Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The International Multiple Sclerosis Visual System Consortium (IMSVISUAL) was formed in November 2014 with the primary goal of improving research, care, and education regarding the role of the visual system in multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders.

METHODS

In this review, we describe the formation, goals, activities, and structure of IMSVISUAL, as well as the relationship of IMSVISUAL with the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ACTRIMS). Finally, we provide an overview of the work IMSVISUAL has completed to date, as well as an outline of research projects ongoing under the auspices of IMSVISUAL.

RESULTS

IMSVISUAL has 140 members worldwide and continues to grow. Through IMSVISUAL-related research, optical coherence tomography (OCT)-derived peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thinning has been established as a predictor of future disability in MS. IMSVISUAL has also developed guidelines for reporting OCT studies in MS. Moreover, a systematic review performed by IMSVISUAL found that not only are pRNFL and ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses reduced in patients with MS (particularly in eyes with prior optic neuritis [ON]), but that inner nuclear layer measures may be higher among MS ON eyes, relative to healthy control eyes. Currently, there are several ongoing IMSVISUAL projects that will establish a role for visual outcomes in diagnosing MS and quantifying the effects of emerging therapies in clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of IMSVISUAL represents a major collaborative commitment to defining the role of visual outcomes in high-quality, large-scale studies that generate definitive and instructive findings in the field of MS. As a consortium, IMSVISUAL has completed several international collaborative projects, is actively engaged in numerous ongoing research studies, and is committed to expanding the role of vision research in MS and related disorders.

Acute Management of Optic Neuritis: An Evolving Paradigm

The current management of acute optic neuritis (ON) is focused on expediting visual recovery through the use of high-dose intravenous corticosteroids. The recent identification of specific autoantibodies associated with central nervous system inflammatory disorders has provided novel insights into immune targets and mechanisms that impact the prognosis, treatment, and recurrence of ON. Therefore, neurologists and ophthalmologists need to be aware of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings that may provide important clues to the etiology of ON and the potential need for aggressive management. Moving forward, rapid and accurate diagnosis of inflammatory ON will likely be critical for implementing clinical care that optimizes short-term and long-term therapeutic outcomes.

Fingolimod after a first unilateral episode of acute optic neuritis (MOVING) - preliminary results from a randomized, rater-blind, active-controlled, phase 2 trial

Background

Neuroprotection and promotion of remyelination represent important therapeutic gaps in multiple sclerosis (MS). Acute optic neuritis (ON) is a frequent MS manifestation. Based on the presence and properties of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PR) on astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, we hypothesized that remyelination can be enhanced by treatment with fingolimod, a S1PR modulator currently licensed for relapsing-remitting MS.

Methods

MOVING was an investigator-driven, rater-blind, randomized clinical trial. Patients with acute unilateral ON, occurring as a clinically isolated syndrome or MS relapse, were randomized to 6 months of treatment with 0.5 mg oral fingolimod or subcutaneous IFN-β 1b 250 μg every other day. The change in multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) latency of the qualifying eye was examined as the primary (month 6 vs. baseline) and secondary (months 3, 6 and 12 vs. baseline) outcome. In addition, full field visual evoked potentials, visual acuity, optical coherence tomography as well as clinical relapses and measures of disability, cerebral MRI, and self-reported visual quality of life were obtained for follow-up. The study was halted due to insufficient recruitment (n = 15), and available results are reported.

Results

Per protocol analysis of the primary endpoint revealed a significantly larger reduction of mfVEP latency at 6 months compared to baseline with fingolimod treatment (n = 5; median decrease, 15.7 ms) than with IFN-β 1b treatment (n = 4; median increase, 8.15 ms) (p <  0.001 for interaction). Statistical significance was maintained in the secondary endpoint analysis. Descriptive results are reported for other endpoints.

Conclusion

Preliminary results of the MOVING trial argue in support of a beneficial effect of fingolimod on optic nerve remyelination when compared to IFN-β treatment. Interpretation is limited by the small number of complete observations, an unexpected deterioration of the control group and a difference in baseline mfVEP latencies. The findings need to be confirmed in larger studies.

Trial registration

The trial was registered as EUDRA-CT 2011–004787-30 on October 26, 2012 and as NCT01647880 on July 24, 2012.

Optic Neuritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article discusses the clinical presentation, evaluation, and management of the patient with optic neuritis. Initial emphasis is placed on clinical history, examination, diagnostic testing, and medical decision making, while subsequent focus is placed on examining specific inflammatory optic neuropathies. Clinical clues, examination findings, neuroimaging, and laboratory testing that differentiate autoimmune, granulomatous, demyelinating, infectious, and paraneoplastic causes of optic neuritis are assessed, and current treatments are evaluated.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances in technology and immunology have enhanced our understanding of the pathologies driving inflammatory optic nerve injury. Clinicians are now able to interrogate optic nerve structure and function during inflammatory injury, rapidly identify disease-relevant autoimmune targets, and deliver timely therapeutics to improve visual outcomes.

SUMMARY

Optic neuritis is a common clinical manifestation of central nervous system inflammation. Depending on the etiology, visual prognosis and the risk for recurrent injury may vary. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of optic neuritis may be critical for limiting vision loss, future neurologic disability, and organ damage. This article will aid neurologists in formulating a systematic approach to patients with optic neuritis.

Management of Multiple Sclerosis Relapses

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides an overview of the clinical and pathologic features of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses and reviews evidence-based approaches to their treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite the increasing number and potency of MS treatments, relapses remain one of the more unpredictable and disconcerting disease aspects for many patients with MS, making their accurate recognition and treatment an essential component of good clinical care. The expanding range of relapse treatments now includes oral corticosteroids, comparable in efficacy to IV methylprednisolone at a fraction of the cost. While this development improves access to prompt treatment, it also underscores the importance of recognizing mimics of MS relapses to reduce corticosteroid overuse and its attendant risks.

SUMMARY

Like MS itself, MS relapse remains primarily a clinical diagnosis. The treatment options for MS relapse include corticosteroids, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), plasma exchange, and rehabilitation, used singly or sequentially, with the goal of limiting the duration and impact of associated disability. Even when treated promptly and effectively, clinical or subclinical sequelae of MS relapses frequently remain.

Optic neuritis in the era of biomarkers

The Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial, a landmark study completed in 1991, stratified the risk of multiple sclerosis in patients with optic neuritis. Since that time, unique biomarkers for optic neuritis have been found. The antibody against aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) discovered in 2004 was found to be both the pathologic cause and a reliable biomarker for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. This finding enabled an expanded definition of the phenotype of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and improved treatment of the disease. Subsequently, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) IgG was recognized to be a marker for MOG-IgG-associated disorder, a central demyelinating disease characterized by recurrent optic neuritis, prominent disk edema, and perineural optic nerve enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging. Most multiple sclerosis disease-modifying agents are ineffective for AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and MOG-IgG-associated disorder. Because there are crucial differences in treatment and prognosis between multiple sclerosis, AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and MOG-IgG-associated disorder, ophthalmologists should be aware of these new biomarkers of optic neuritis and incorporate their testing in all patients with atypical optic neuritis.

Neuroenhancement and neuroprotection by oral solution citicoline in non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy as a model of neurodegeneration: A randomized pilot study

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether treatment with Citicoline in oral solution (OS-Citicoline) would increase visual function, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) function, and neural conduction along visual pathways (neuroenhancement), and/or induce preservation of RGCs fibers' loss (neuroprotection) in non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a human model of neurodegeneration.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with NAION and 20 age-matched controls were enrolled. Nineteen NAION patients received 500 mg/day of OS-Citicoline for a 6-month period followed by 3-month of wash-out (NC Group); 17 NAION patients were not treated (NN Group) from baseline to 9 months. In all subjects at baseline, and in NC and NN eyes at 6 and 9 months of follow-up, we assessed Visual Acuity (VA), Pattern Electroretinogram (PERG), Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL-T), and Humphrey 24-2 visual field mean deviation (HFA MD). Mean differences were statistically evaluated with ANOVA between Groups, and linear correlations were analysed with Pearson's test.

RESULTS

At 6 months, significant differences between groups for all parameters were observed (ANOVA, p<0.01). In NC eyes, VA increased, PERG responses increased, VEP recordings improved and were significantly correlated with increases in HFA MD (p<0.01), and RNFL-T was unmodified or improved. In contrast, in NN eyes, VA, PERG, VEP responses, RNFL-T, and HFA MD were further worsened. Significant differences were still present at 9-month follow-up in the NN Group and after 3 months of OS-Citicoline wash-out in NC eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

OS-Citicoline treatment induced neuroenhancement (improvement in RGCs function and neural conduction along visual pathways related to improvement of visual field defects) and neuroprotection (unmodified or improved RNFL morphological condition) in a human model of NAION involving fast RGCs degeneration.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03758118.

Critical review: Typical and atypical optic neuritis

Typical optic neuritis is an idiopathic demyelinating condition that is often associated with multiple sclerosis. This has been well characterized and has an excellent prognosis. Atypical optic neuritis can result from an inflammatory, infectious, or autoimmune disorder. Differentiating the two types of optic neuritis is paramount and may be challenging early on in the clinical course. This review describes the recent literature describing the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, neuroimaging, and management of these disorders.

For Massachusetts Eye and Ear Special Issue: Updates on Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis for the Ophthalmologist

In the past decade, the available disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis have broadened significantly, providing physicians and patients with multiple options with different mechanisms of action, administration routes, and risk-benefit profiles. Multiple sclerosis often presents with ophthalmic manifestations due to inflammatory demyelination of the afferent and efferent visual pathways, and evidence of disease can factor into the decision to initiate or substitute a particular therapy. Furthermore, some of these drugs have toxicities that can manifest with ophthalmic complications, of which ophthalmologists should be aware.

Adherence to Clinical Trial Supported Evaluation of Optic Neuritis

Purpose: The Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial showed that an MRI of the brain is a powerful predictor of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). However, surveys of practitioners suggest that the recommended use of imaging is not consistently followed in practice. With this study, we aim to assess the rate at which newly diagnosed optic neuritis (ON) patients receive brain MRIs. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study using administrative medical claims data from a large, national US insurer. All incident cases from 2000 to 2016 of ON in patients without MS were assessed. The primary outcome was a comparison of patterns of MRI scanning usage following diagnosis of ON. Secondary outcomes evaluated steroid treatment and progression to MS. Results: Of 2865 qualified ON patients, 1755 (61.3%) received a brain MRI. At 1 year follow-up, 629 (30.3%) patients had progressed to MS, a rate that increased slightly to 34.3% (366 patients) within a 3-year period of their initial ON diagnosis. A total of 520 (18.2%) patients received intravenous steroids, and 383 (13.4%) received oral steroids within 30 days of the ON diagnosis. Conclusion: Across the United States, a surprisingly low number of individuals obtain a brain MRI following onset of ON, suggesting that physicians may not be fully assessing the risk of MS.

Visual outcome is similar in optic neuritis patients treated with oral and i.v. high-dose methylprednisolone: a retrospective study on 56 patients

Background

To investigate visual recovery after treatment of acute optic neuritis (ON) with either oral or intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone, in order to establish the best route of administration.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients treated with oral or intravenous high-dose (≥500 mg per day) methylprednisolone for acute ON of unknown or demyelinating etiology. Twenty-eight patients were included in each treatment group. Visual acuity was measured with the Snellen letter chart, color vision with Boström-Kugelberg pseudo-isochromatic plates, and visual field with a Humphrey Field Analyzer.

Results

The treatment results were similar in the two groups at follow-up, with no significant difference in visual acuity (p = 0.54), color vision (p = 0.18), visual field mean deviation (p = 0.39) or the number of highly significantly depressed test points (p = 0.46).

Conclusions

The results show no clinical disadvantage of using oral high-dose corticosteroids compared to intravenous administration in the treatment of acute ON, which would facilitate the clinical management of these patients.

Pediatric optic neuritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pediatric optic neuritis may be challenging to diagnose and treat. Significant clinical investigation of optic neuritis occurring in adults guides current clinical practices. Differences in presentation and prognosis exist for pediatric patients with optic neuritis when compared with adults including the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The aim of this review is to provide an update on latest advances in the diagnosis, treatment and current research concerning pediatric optic neuritis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Limited case series and retrospective reviews constitute much of the data we know about patients with pediatric optic neuritis. Pediatric optic neuritis is included in the spectrum of neuroinflammatory diseases. Testing modalities (ocular coherence tomography and visual evoked potentials) and serologic testing (antibodies against aquaporin-4 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) are being investigated for diagnostic and prognostic value. The low incidence of pediatric optic neuritis results in small sample sizes may contribute to conflicting results of different studies.

SUMMARY

Recent advances in diagnostic and serologic testing in pediatric neuritis may offer better diagnosis, treatment and prediction of prognosis. Validation requires well designed prospective research.

Steroid Treatment of Optic Neuropathies

The etiologies of optic neuropathy include inflammation, ischemia, toxic and metabolic injury, genetic disease, and trauma. There is little controversy over the practice of using steroids in the treatment of optic neuritis--it is well established that intravenous steroid treatment can speed visual recovery but does not alter final visual function. However, there is controversy surrounding the acceptable routes of administration, dosage, and course of treatment. Additionally, the typical patient with optic neuritis is young and otherwise healthy, and thus is likely to tolerate steroids well. In ischemic and traumatic causes of optic neuropathies, the initial injury is not inflammatory, but damage may be compounded by secondary injury due to resultant inflammation and swelling in the confined space of the optic canal. Steroids have been considered as a means of minimizing inflammation and swelling, and thus minimizing the secondary injury that results. However, the use of steroids in traumatic and ischemic optic neuropathies is highly controversial-the evidence for the efficacy of treatment with steroids is insufficient to show that there is significant benefit. Additionally, patients with these conditions are more likely to have comorbidities that make them vulnerable to significant adverse events with the use of steroids. In this article, we attempt to analyze the current state of the literature regarding the use of steroids in the treatment of optic neuropathies, specifically optic neuritis, nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and traumatic optic neuropathy.