Multi-registry analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica to improve capture of demographic data and compare visual outcomes

IMPORTANCE

The American Academy of Neurology Axon Registry® provides real-world data for patients with multiple sclerosis and neuro-myelitis optica. However, some data are incomplete (e.g. demographics) and some relevant outcomes are not systematically captured in neurology documentation (e.g. visual acuity). The American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) contains demographic and visual function data that may complement Axon Registry-derived data to enhance understanding of real-world visual outcomes in neurological disease.

OBJECTIVE

To combine Axon Registry and IRIS Registry data to reduce missingness of demographic information and characterize visual outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuro-myelitis optica.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Outpatient neurology and ophthalmology clinical practices.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients participating in both registries between January 1, 2014 through December 10, 2021 were included if they had repeat ICD-9/10 codes for with multiple sclerosis or neuro-myelitis optica in the Axon registry.

EXPOSURE

Diagnosis (multiple sclerosis or neuro-myelitis optica).

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE

Age, sex, race and ethnicity were assessed in the individual registries and classified as conflicting, missing, or not missing in the combined data set. The IRIS Registry contributed visual acuity data.

RESULTS

Among 60,316 patients with multiple sclerosis and 1,068 patients with neuro-myelitis optica in the Axon Registry, 14,085 and 252 had temporal overlap in the IRIS Registry. Combining data reduced missing or conflicting data for race and ethnicity by 15-19 % (absolute reduction, all p ≤ 0.0005), but not age (p = 1.0) or gender (p = 0.08). 10,907 patients with MS and 142 with NMO had visual acuity data in the IRIS Registry. Visual acuity averaged between eyes was worse in patients with NMO after adjusting for age and gender (0.17 logMAR, 95 %CI 0.12,0.21, p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Using data from two registries reduced missing data for race and ethnicity and enabled examination of outcomes captured in the IRIS Registry for conditions that are diagnosed more frequently in the Axon Registry, demonstrating the utility of a multi-registry analysis.

Altered immune co-inhibitory receptor expression and correlation of LAG-3 expression to disease severity in NMOSD

Co-inhibitory receptors (CIR)s regulate T cell-mediated immune responses and growing evidence links co-inhibitory receptors to the progression of neuroimmunological diseases. We studied the expression levels of CIRs: TIM-3, TIGIT, PD-1 and LAG-3 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 30 patients with Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), 11 Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 31 Healthy controls (HC). We found that the mRNA expression levels of TIM-3 were significantly increased in NMOSD compared with HC, and increased LAG-3 surface protein expression was also observed on T-cells of NMOSD patients. Moreover, we observed a negative correlation between LAG-3 expression and disease severity in NMOSD. Our findings suggest a protective effect of LAG-3 in the setting of NMOSD, and that the differential expression of CIRs observed in this study may play a role in the pathological process of NMOSD.

Inhibition of repulsive guidance molecule-a ameliorates compromised blood-spinal cord barrier integrity associated with neuromyelitis optica in rats

The influx of pathogenic aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Abs) across the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is crucial for the development and exacerbation of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). We examined whether prophylactic intravenous administration of anti-repulsive guidance molecule-a antibodies (RGMa-Abs) has disease-modifying effects on BSCB dysfunction using an NMO model elicited by peripheral administration of AQP4-Abs to rats. RGMa-Ab treatment attenuated the acute exacerbation of perivascular astrocytopathy in the spinal cord and clinical symptoms, which were highly correlated with neurofilament light chain levels in both the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. Additionally, RGMa-Ab treatment suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines and the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the spinal cord. CSF analysis of NMO rats revealed that RGMa-Ab treatment improved the CSF/serum albumin ratio and suppressed AQP4-Abs influx. RGMa inhibition using RGMa-Abs is suggested as a potential therapeutic option for BSCB dysfunction associated with NMO.

Exploring resting-state EEG oscillations in patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Quantitative resting-state electroencephalography (rs-EEG) is a convenient method for characterizing the functional impairments and adaptations of the brain that has been shown to be valuable for assessing many neurological and psychiatric disorders, especially in monitoring disease status and assisting neuromodulation treatment. However, it has not yet been explored in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). This study aimed to investigate the rs-EEG features of NMOSD patients and explore the rs-EEG features related to disease characteristics and complications (such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue).

METHODS

A total of 32 NMOSD patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited; their demographic and disease information were collected, and their anxiety, depression, and fatigue symptoms were evaluated. The rs-EEG power spectra of all the participants were obtained. After excluding the participants with low-quality rs-EEG data during processing, statistical analysis was conducted based on the clinical information and rs-EEG data of 29 patients and 19 HCs. The rs-EEG power (the mean spectral energy (MSE) of absolute power and relative power in all frequency bands, as well as the specific power for all electrode sites) of NMOSD patients and HCs was compared. Furthermore, correlation analyses were performed between rs-EEG power and other variables for NMOSD patients (including the disease characteristics and complications).

RESULTS

The distribution of the rs-EEG power spectra in NMOSD patients was similar to that in HCs. The dominant alpha-peaks shifted significantly towards a lower frequency for patients when compared to HCs. The delta and theta power was significantly increased in the NMOSD group compared to that in the HC group. The alpha oscillation power was found to be significantly negatively associated with the degree of anxiety (reflected by the anxiety subscore of hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)) and the degree of depression (reflected by the depression subscore of HADS). The gamma oscillation power was revealed to be significantly positively correlated with the fatigue severity scale (FSS) score, while further analysis indicated that the electrode sites of almost the whole brain region showing correlations with fatigue. Regarding the disease variables, no statistically significant rs-EEG features were related to the main disease features in NMOSD patients.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the rs-EEG power spectra of NMOSD patients show increased slow oscillations and are potential biomarkers of widespread white matter microstructural damage in NMOSD. Moreover, this study revealed the rs-EEG features associated with anxiety, depression, and fatigue in NMOSD patients, which might help in the evaluation of these complications and the development of neuromodulation treatment. Quantitative rs-EEG analysis may play an important role in the management of NMOSD patients, and future studies are warranted to more comprehensively understand its application value.

Epidemiology of aquaporin-4-IgG-positive NMOSD in Sardinia

PURPOSE

The Italian Island of Sardinia (population, 1,578,146) is recognized for the high risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) but the epidemiological burden of other less common demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as aquaporin-4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG+NMOSD), is unknown. In this study, we determined the incidence and prevalence of AQP4-IgG+NMOSD in Sardinia over a ten-year study period (2013-2022).

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of AQP4-IgG+NMOSD (per 2015 IPND diagnostic criteria) were retrospectively identified using two sources: (1) Archives of the reference and only laboratory for AQP4-IgG testing in Sardinia; and (2) medical records of the four MS units in the island. Incidence (January 2013-December 2022) and prevalence (December 31, 2022) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 45 cases were included: incident, 31; prevalent, 41. The median age (range) at disease presentation was 51 (6-78) years; female/male ratio was 9:1. The crude (95 % CI) incidence and prevalence were 1.9 (1.3-2.7) per million and 2.6 (1.9-3.5) per 100,000, respectively. Prevalence increased from 2013 (1.1 per 100,000) to 2022 (2.6 per 100,000); p = 0.002. After age-standardization to the world, incidence and prevalence (95 % CI) decreased to 1.3 (0.7-2) per million and 1.8 (1.3-2.3) per 100,000, respectively. Coexisting immune-mediated disorders, mostly autoimmune thyroiditis, were reported in 50 % of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiology of AQP4-IgG+NMOSD in Sardinia is overall in line with other Caucasian populations. The high MS risk in the island seems disease-specific and not associated with an increased risk of other CNS demyelinating disorders, confirming different pathophysiology.

Optic neuritis in Turkish children and adolescents: A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Various etiologies may underlie optic neuritis, including autoantibody-mediated disorders described in the last decade. We re-examined demographic, clinical, laboratory features and prognostic factors in pediatric patients with autoimmune optic neuritis according to current knowledge.

METHODS

Cases of pediatric ON from 27 centers in Türkiye diagnosed between 2009 and 2022 were included for retrospective evaluation.

RESULTS

The study included 279 patients, 174 females and 105 males, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.65. The average age at onset was 12.8 ± 3.4 years, and mean follow-up, 2.1 years (range: 1-12.1 years). Patients <10 years old were grouped as "prepubertal" and those ≥10 years old as "others". The diagnoses made at the end of follow-up were multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis (n = 90, 32.3 %), single isolated optic neuritis (n = 86, 31 %), clinically isolated syndrome (n = 41, 14.7 %), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis (n = 22, 7.9 %), and relapsing isolated optic neuritis (n = 18, 6.5 %). Predominant diagnoses were myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated optic neuritis in the prepubertal group and multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis in the older group. Recurrences were observed in 67 (24 %) patients, including 28 with multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis, 18 with relapsing isolated optic neuritis, 11 with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis, 8 with aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis, and 2 with chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy. Recurrences were more common among female patients. Findings supporting the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis included age of onset ≥ 10 years (OR=1.24, p = 0.027), the presence of cranial MRI lesions (OR=26.92, p<0.001), and oligoclonal bands (OR=9.7, p = 0.001). Treatment in the acute phase consisted of intravenous pulse methylprednisolone (n = 46, 16.5 %), pulse methylprednisolone with an oral taper (n = 212, 76 %), and combinations of pulse methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, or intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 21, 7.5 %). Outcome at 12 months was satisfactory, with 247 out of 279 patients (88.5 %) demonstrating complete recovery. Thirty-two patients exhibited incomplete recovery and further combination treatments were applied. Specifically, patients with relapsing isolated optic neuritis and aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis displayed a less favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest optic neuritis is frequently bilateral in prepubertal and unilateral in peri‑ or postpubertal patients. Age of onset 10 or older, presence of oligoclonal bands, and brain MRI findings reliably predict the development of multiple sclerosis. The risk of developing multiple sclerosis increases mostly during the second and third years of follow-up. Relapsing isolated optic neuritis remains a separate group where the pathogenesis and outcome remain unclear. Investigation of predisposing and diagnostic biomarkers and long follow-up could help to define this group.

Nationwide analysis of neuromyelitis optica in systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic's disease, is a rare inflammatory demyelinating disorder causing myelitis and optic neuritis. While there have been reports of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) occurring with NMO, a formal association is not established. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of NMO in SLE and SS patients and study the clinical characteristics and outcomes of NMO and SLE/SS hospitalizations utilizing the national inpatient sample (NIS) database.

METHODS

The NIS database from 2016 to 2019 was used to extract data. Adult hospitalizations with the principal or secondary diagnosis of NMO were included. We classified NMO patients with and without concomitant diagnosis of SLE or Sjogren's syndrome. We evaluated and compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of NMO hospitalizations with and without SLE or Sjogren's syndrome. STATA17 was used for data analysis. We also calculated the odds ratio of NMO in SLE and Sjogren's syndrome.

RESULTS

There were a total of 16,360 adult hospitalizations with the principal or secondary discharge diagnosis of NMO. Among all NMO hospitalizations, 1425 (8.71%) had the primary or secondary diagnosis of SLE or SS. The odds of NMO in SLE and Sjogren's syndrome were noted to be 12.29 and 5.56, respectively. NMO with SLE/SS group had higher proportion of females (89.82% vs 79%, P value < 0.001), African Americans (56.63% vs 38.28, P value < 0.001), and Asians (5.73% vs 3.25, P value 0.04). The Charlson comorbidity index was higher for NMO-SLE/SS overlap (2.44 vs 1.28, P value < 0.001). There was no significant difference in overall mortality rates of both groups (2.11% vs 1.2%, P value 0.197). There were significantly higher reported seizures (14.73% vs 6.05, P value < 0.001) and paraplegia (21.75% vs 13.93%, P value < 0.001) in NMO-SLE/SS patients. These patients also had a longer length of stay in comparison to the reference group (7 vs 5 days, P value < 0.001) as well as higher total charges.

CONCLUSIONS

NMO patients had a 12-fold higher risk of SLE and 5-fold higher risk of Sjogren's disease when compared to general population. Patients with overlap of NMO and SLE or Sjogren's were predominantly women and were more likely to be African-American. Co-existence of these autoimmune disorders was associated with poor prognosis in terms of higher morbidity for patients and increased health care burden. Key Points • NMO is a rare autoimmune disease seen predominantly in women in the middle age group with low overall mortality. • SLE and Sjogren's have increased odds of NMO in comparison to general population. • NMO patients have high rates of several complications such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, seizures, blindness, sepsis, and respiratory failure with even higher rates of seizures and paraplegia in those with concomitant SLE or Sjogren's.

Dynamic changes in patient admission and their disabilities in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica: A Japanese nationwide administrative data study

BACKGROUND

The real-world data evidences how establishment of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) disease concept and development disease modifying therapy affect the patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and NMO are lacking. The aim of this study is to clarify the diachronic trend of the severity and admissions of patients with MS and NMO.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the trends in admissions, treatments, and disabilities in the patients with MS and NMO using the Japanese administrative data between 2012 and 2017.

RESULTS

We analyzed acute stage 9545 and 2035 admissions in each 6100 MS and 1555 NMO patients. The annual number of admission in MS significantly decreased in 6 years; however, those in NMO consistently increased. The patient proportion with lower disability was significantly increased in MS and NMO. These trends were especially observed in patients admitted to centralized hospitals with more active treatments, such as second-line disease modifying therapy for MS and plasmapheresis for NMO. Patients with NMO using DMT for MS diminished in 6 years.

CONCLUSION

A gradual improvement of disability in patients with MS and NMO was observed, probably due to advanced treatments, increased NMO awareness, and decreased misdiagnosis, which seems to be the key for better prognosis in MS and NMO.

Joint radiomics and spatial distribution model for MRI-based discrimination of multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder

OBJECTIVE

To develop a discrimination pipeline concerning both radiomics and spatial distribution features of brain lesions for discrimination of multiple sclerosis (MS), aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder (MOGAD).

METHODS

Hyperintensity T2 lesions were delineated in 212 brain MRI scans of MS (n = 63), NMOSD (n = 87), and MOGAD (n = 45) patients. To avoid the effect of fixed training/test dataset sampling when developing machine learning models, patients were allocated into 4 sub-groups for cross-validation. For each scan, 351 radiomics and 27 spatial distribution features were extracted. Three models, i.e., multi-lesion radiomics, spatial distribution, and joint models, were constructed using random forest and logistic regression algorithms for differentiating: MS from the others (MS models) and MOGAD from NMOSD (MOG-NMO models), respectively. Then, the joint models were combined with demographic characteristics (i.e., age and sex) to create MS and MOG-NMO discriminators, respectively, based on which a three-disease discrimination pipeline was generated and compared with radiologists.

RESULTS

For classification of both MS-others and MOG-NMO, the joint models performed better than radiomics or spatial distribution model solely. The MS discriminator achieved AUC = 0.909 ± 0.027 and bias-corrected C-index = 0.909 ± 0.027, and the MOG-NMO discriminator achieved AUC = 0.880 ± 0.064 and bias-corrected C-index = 0.883 ± 0.068. The three-disease discrimination pipeline differentiated MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD patients with 75.0% accuracy, prominently outperforming the three radiologists (47.6%, 56.6%, and 66.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed pipeline integrating multi-lesion radiomics and spatial distribution features could effectively differentiate MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

The discrimination pipeline merging both radiomics and spatial distribution features of brain lesions may facilitate the differential diagnoses of multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder.

KEY POINTS

• Our study introduces an approach by combining radiomics and spatial distribution models. • The joint model exhibited superior performance in distinguishing multiple sclerosis from aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder as well as discriminating the latter two diseases. • The three-disease discrimination pipeline showcased remarkable accuracy, surpassing the performance of experienced radiologists, highlighting its potential as a valuable diagnostic tool.

[Pregnancy-associated neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorder combined with primary Sjögren's syndrome: A critical illness case report]

Central nervous system involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is less common and usually presents as white matter lesions, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), or transverse myelitis. NMOSD is an immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with a high rate of relapse and significant disability. Studies have shown that patients with pSS combined with NMOSD have more severe symptoms and poorer prognosis. Here, we present a case of critical illness in pregnancy-associated NMOSD combined with Sjögren's syndrome. The patient was a 30-year-old pregnant woman with a history of Sjögren's syndrome who was diagnosed with NMOSD. She received combination therapy with steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy, resulting in partial resolution of numbness below the waist. However, due to irregular medication adherence outside the hospital setting, she developed weakness in her right lower limb accompanied by inability to move it, while her left lower limb still had some mobility but occasional numbness along with urinary and fecal incontinence. Ten days later, she was admitted to the emergency department where an emergency cesarean section was performed to deliver a healthy baby boy. However, her condition worsened postpartum as she developed high fever accompanied by bilateral lower limb paralysis and weakness along with loss of voluntary control over urination and defecation. The patient underwent ano-ther course of treatment consisting of steroids and IVIG; however there was limited improvement in symptoms observed after this intervention. Following administration of rituximab for the first time, the patient developed urinary tract infection which was successfully managed before continuing regular infusions. In later stages the patient could walk slightly with a limp and regained control over urination and defecation, allowing her to resume normal activities. This case suggests that combination therapy with steroids, IVIG, and hydroxychloroquine should be considered for the patients with pregnancy-associated NMOSD combined with Sjögren's syndrome. Rituximab can significantly improve symptoms such as postpartum paralysis in patients with NMOSD, however, there may be a risk of infection associated with its use.

Aquaporin-4-IgG positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in a paraneoplastic context

OBJECTIVE

The association between aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin-G-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG-NMOSD) and cancer via a plausible immunological response has been reported. Here, we investigated the frequency of cancer in a large cohort of patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD.

METHODS

Between May 2005 and January 2023, patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD and a history of cancer were included by searching for diagnostic codes of both NMOSD and cancer in the electronic medical records and/or reviewing the database of the National Cancer Center registry of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Probable paraneoplastic AQP4-IgG-NMOSD was defined according to the 2021 Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome.

RESULTS

Of 371 patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD, 23 (6.2%) had a history of cancer and four (1.1%) experienced NMOSD in a paraneoplastic context. Among the four patients with probable paraneoplastic AQP4-IgG-NMOSD, the types of cancer were lung (1 adenocarcinoma, 1 squamous cell carcinoma) and colorectal (2 adenocarcinomas). In three patients, the first NMOSD symptoms developed after a cancer diagnosis (median, 8 months [range, 4-23]), and one patient's symptoms preceded the cancer diagnosis (6 months). Compared to the 367 non-paraneoplastic patients, those in the paraneoplastic context had an older age at onset (median: 59.5 vs. 37 years, p = 0.012) and a higher proportion of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) as an initial manifestation (4/4[100%] vs. 130/367[35.4%], p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort of patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD, the frequency of cancer was low. Older age, LETM features at onset, and adenocarcinoma as the histological type were usually observed in patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD in a paraneoplastic context.

Investigation of sexual dysfunction and depression prevalence in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and depression in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system.

METHODS

A total of 110 NMO patients and 112 healthy individuals were included as a control group, and their SD was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for women and men, respectively. The FSFI categorizes female sexual dysfunction into six subscores, including libido, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain, while the IIEF categorizes male sexual dysfunction into five subscores, including sexual desire, erection, orgasm, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

SD was prevalent among NMO patients, with 78% of female patients and 63.2% of male patients reporting SD in at least one subscore. The severity of the disease, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), was found to be significantly correlated with SD in all subscores, while the duration of the disease was only correlated with the overall satisfaction subscore in men and the pain subscore in women. Furthermore, SD was found to be significantly correlated with depression in these patients.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the importance of addressing SD and depression in NMO patients, as they adversely affect the quality of life. The findings suggest that the physical aspects of SD are mostly affected by the severity of the disease, while psychological aspects are highly correlated with the chronicity of the disease.

Prevalence of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Colombia: Analysis of the official Ministry of Health administrative registry

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare entity with severe inflammatory demyelinating events of the central nervous system with debilitating sequelae. Its global prevalence ranges between 0.5 and 4/100,000 individuals, with variations by region and ethnicity. Latin America lacks epidemiological data on the disease, and Colombian prevalence is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Prevalence of NMOSD in Colombia was estimated between 2017 and 2021 using the official Ministry of Health administrative database (SISPRO).

METHODS

This is an observational, cross-sectional retrospective study, using data between January 2017 and December 2021 in the SISPRO database using the International Classification of Disease code for NMOSD G36.0. Prevalence by gender, age and geographic distribution was estimated using official government statistics for 2019. World Health Organization (WHO) standard population was used to adjust using the direct method.

RESULTS

2,650 patients were diagnosed with NMOSD; the average age was 44.9 years with an overall unadjusted prevalence of 5.3/100,000 individuals, higher for females (7.8) than for males (2.8). No significant changes (from 5.3 to 5.4) were seen after adjusting to the WHO standard.

CONCLUSION

According to this study Colombia has one of the highest prevalence rates of NMOSD in Latin America, further studies are needed to elucidate the contributing factors.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: do patients positive and negative for anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies present distinct entities? A Colombian perspective

INTRODUCTION

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterised by attacks of optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The discovery of anti-aquaporin-4 (anti-AQP4) antibodies and specific brain MRI findings as diagnostic biomarkers have enabled the recognition of a broader and more detailed clinical phenotype, known as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with NMO/NMOSD with and without seropositivity for anti-AQP4 antibodies, in 2 quaternary-level hospitals in Bogotá.

METHODS

Our study included patients > 18 years of age and diagnosed with NMO/NMOSD and for whom imaging and serology results were available, assessed between 2013 and 2017 at the neurology departments of hospitals providing highly complex care. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were gathered and compared in patients with and without seropositivity for anti-AQP4 antibodies.

RESULTS

The sample included 35 patients with NMO/NMOSD; the median age of onset was 46.5 years (P25-P75, 34.2-54.0); most patients had sensory (n = 25) and motor manifestations (n = 26), and a concomitant autoimmune disease was identified in 6. Twenty patients were seropositive for anti-AQP4 antibodies. Only age and presence of optic nerve involvement showed statistically significant differences between groups (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical, imaging, and laboratory variables showed no major differences between patients with and without anti-AQP4 antibodies, with the exception of age of onset and presence of optic nerve involvement (uni- or bilateral); these factors should be studied in greater detail in larger populations.

Neuromyelitis optica in a young patient presenting with urinary retention: A case report

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including urinary dysfunction. Here, we present the case of a 21-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with NMO after presenting with urinary retention.

Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients, A seven years follow-up study from Iran

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a rare neuroinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent relapses. The most common signs are myelitis and optic neuritis. It can also present by cerebral or brain stem syndromes. There are still many challenges in its diagnosis and treatment, and long-term follow-up studies are needed to see the disease course over time.

METHODS

We established an electronic registration system of NMOSD patients starting from October 2015 in Kashani hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Every suspected patient was documented and included in the follow-up system to survey their disease course. Anti-aquaporine 4 (AQP4) antibody checked for all by cell-based assay method. All information such as demographic and clinical data and laboratory and MRI findings were documented. Participants were followed up for any relapses, new paraclinical tests and drug changes. This study is based on the definite NMOSD cases (according to the 2015 criteria) characteristics and clinical course during 7 years of registration.

RESULTS

The study included 173 NMOSD cases and 56 ones were seropositive for AQP4 Ab. Their mean age was 40.02±11.11 years (45.78 in the seropositive group). The mean age at disease onset was about 30.16 years. The mean time of follow-up by our registration system is 55.84 ± 18.94 months (54.82 months in seropositive ones). The annual relapse rate is estimated as 0.47±0.36. Long extended transvers myelitis (LETM) was present in the baseline MRI of 77 patients (44.5%), while 32 of them did not show any related clinical symptoms. 124 patients revealed an abnormality in the first brain MRI. 27 individuals suffer hypothyroidism as the most common comorbid disease. The disease seems to be more prevalent in the west and southwest areas of Isfahan province.

CONCLUSION

The mean age of onset is higher than Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, but there are notable pediatric cases too. It should also be noticed that cervical LETM can be asymptomatic at first. Brain MRI abnormalities are frequently observed. The disease is more prevalent in the geographical areas where showing high MS prevalence.

The nutritional risk in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

The effect of nutrition on chronic autoimmune diseases is well known. This study is the first to assess the nutritional status of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) by administering the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), to explore the impacts of nutrition on patients' quality of life and to identify the factors associated with the nutritional status of NMOSD patients.

METHODS

Our study enrolled 70 NMOSD patients and 66 healthy controls. The following data were assessed: demographic information, disease features, and composite evaluations of life status, including nutrition, sleep, anxiety/depression, fatigue, and quality of life. Then, statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The MNA score of NMOSD patients was 20.4 ± 3.3, which was significantly lower than that of HCs (23.3 ± 2.5, P = 0.002), especially for the dimensions of global evaluation and anthropometric assessment. Nearly 85% of patients were at risk of malnutrition or had definite malnutrition. The total MNA score was positively correlated with the patient's quality of life (P<0.01). Lower MNA scores were correlated with gender (P = 0.02), longer disease duration (P<0.001), more severe anxiety (P = 0.004), more severe depression (P = 0.003), more severe sleep disturbances (P<0.001), and more severe fatigue (P = 0.01). Sleep disturbance was revealed to be a significant independent factor for the NMOSD patients' malnutritional risk (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the risk of malnutrition is very high in NMOSD patients and that malnutrition is closely related to their quality of life. Malnutrition among NMOSD patients is caused by a combination of various physiological and psychological factors. A multifaceted and personalized intervention is required to improve the prognosis of NMOSD.

The aquaporin-4 water channel and updates on its potential as a drug target for Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION

Although there are several FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD), only recently have disease-modifying therapies received approval for use in patients. In this narrative review, we examine the history of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) as a therapeutic target for NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder) and as a potential therapeutic target for AD.

AREAS COVERED

We review the basic science and discovery of AQP4, a transmembrane water-channel essential to regulating water balance in the central nervous system (CNS). We also review the pathogenesis of NMOSD, an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of cells that express AQP4. Then, we review how AQP4 is likely involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Finally, we discuss future challenges with drug design that would modulate AQP4 to potentially slow AD development. The literature search for this article consisted of searching Google Scholar and PubMed for permutations of the keywords 'Alzheimer's disease,' 'aquaporin-4,' 'neuromyelitis optica,' and their abbreviations.

EXPERT OPINION

We place research into AQP4 into context with other recent developments in AD research. A major difficulty with drug development for Alzheimer's is the lack of strategies to cleanly target the early pathogenesis of the disease. Targeting AQP4 may provide such a strategy.

Utility of optical coherence tomography in patients of central immune mediated demyelinating diseases - A prospective study

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive tool to measure thickness of various layers of retina. Recently, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIP) thinning has been observed in OCT in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), This study compared OCT profile, along with visual acuity (VA), color vision (CV), contrast saturation (CS) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) in two main cohorts of MS and NMOSD and with controls, during acute episode of optic neuritis (ON), at 3 and 6 months. We found that changes of ON were present in 75% of MS eyes and in 45% of NMOSD patients. Of these, subclinical involvement was present in 56.25% of MS eyes and only in 5% of NMOSD eyes suggesting frequent subclinical involvement in the former. Mean RNFL was 95.23 ± 15.53 in MS and 66.14 ± 43.73 in NMOSD after 6 months of ON episode. Thinning of NQ and IQ was observed in NMOSD eyes in the immediate period after ON attack. At 6 months relative sparing of RNFL in TQ was observed in NMOSD ON eyes and MS ON showed predilection for involvement of TQ.

Two cases of MT-ND5-related mitochondrial disorder misdiagnosed as seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord, which is usually associated with anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies. Here, we present two individuals who were negative for anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies and were initially diagnosed with seronegative NMOSD. Each patient's clinical course and radiographic features raised suspicion for an alternative disease process. Both individuals were found to have pathogenic variants of MT-ND5, encoding subunit 5 of mitochondrial complex I, ultimately leading to a revised diagnosis of a primary mitochondrial disorder. These cases illustrate the importance of biochemical and genetic testing in atypical cases of NMOSD.

Risk and characteristics of attacks occurring after vaccination in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vaccination in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is challenging because there is a concern that vaccines can lead to clinical attacks. However, little is known about the risk and the characteristics of attacks occurring after vaccination.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using PubMed and Embase databases to estimate a summary frequency of attacks occurring after vaccination and describe the clinical features of theses attacks. We defined attacks occurring after vaccination as typical NMOSD attacks that occurred up to 30 days after vaccine administration.  For the frequency of attacks occurring after vaccination, we selected observational studies that reported the number of attacks and total number of patients that received vaccines; for the clinical description of the attacks, case reports and case series were also included.

RESULTS

We included 377 participants from 5 studies to estimate the frequency of NMOSD attacks occurring after vaccination. We found a summary frequency of of 2% (95% CI 1-4%, I² = 0%). We evaluated 17 studies to identify that 13 different vaccines were associated with NMOSD attacks. A higher-than-expected proportion of males, simultaneous optic neuritis and transverse myelitis attacks, and anti-aquaporin 4 antibody negative cases were identified in vaccine-associated attacks from 24 participants from 17 studies. Nearly two-thirds of attacks occurring after vaccination were an initial event of NMOSD.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of NMOSD attacks occurring after vaccination is low and non-specific to different vaccine technologies. Our work reinforces the safety of vaccine recommendations in patients with NMOSD.

The association between cognition and gait disturbance in central nervous system demyelinating disorder with mild disability

INTRODUCTION

Gait disturbance in central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is one of the most troublesome problems that has a direct impact on the quality of life. However, the associations between gait disturbance and other clinical variables of these two diseases have not been fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate gait disturbance using a computerized gait analysis system and its association with various clinical variables in patients with MS and NMO.

METHODS

A total of 33 patients (14 with MS and 19 with NMO) with minor disabilities, who were able to walk independently and had passed their acute phase, were enrolled in the study. Gait analysis were performed using a computer-based instrumented walkway system. (Walk-way MG-1000, Anima, Japan) Clinical variables, such as disease duration, medication, body mass index (BMI), hand grip power, and muscle mass were recorded. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Beck Depression Inventory score-II (BDI), and fatigue scale were measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-fatigue scale (FACIT-fatigue) scale. A trained neurologist scored the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

RESULTS

Gait speed was the single parameter that showed a significant positive correlation with MOCA (p < 0.001). The stance phase time was the single parameter that showed a significant negative correlation with EDSS (p < 0.001). Hand grip strength showed a significant positive correlation with skeletal muscle mass as assessed by bioimpedance analysis (p < 0.05). The FACIT-fatigue scale score showed a significant negative correlation with the BDI (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In our patients with MS/NMO with mild disability, cognitive impairment was significantly correlated with gait speed, and the degree of disability was significantly correlated with stance phase time. Our findings may imply that early detection of a decrease in gait speed and an increase in stance phase time can predict the progression of cognitive impairment in patients with MS/NMO with mild disability.

Inhibition of Neuromyelitis Optica Immunoglobulin G Binding to Aquaporin-4 by the Small Molecule Blocker Melanthioidine

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe neurological demyelinating autoimmune disease affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. The binding of neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G (NMO-IgG) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) on the surface of astrocytes in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid is the main pathogenesis of NMO. Currently, therapeutic strategies for NMO include a reduction of the secondary inflammation response and the number of NMO-IgG, which can only alleviate clinical symptoms rather than fundamentally preventing a series of pathological processes caused by NMO-IgG binding to AQP4.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the blocking effect of melanthioidine on the binding of NMO-IgG to AQP4 and its potential cytotoxicity.

METHODS

The current study developed a cell-based high-throughput screening approach to identify a molecular blocker of NMO-IgG binding to AQP4 using the Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79) cells expressing M23-AQP4. By screening ~400 small molecules, we identified melanthioidine with blocking effects without affecting AQP4 expression or its water permeability.

RESULTS

Melanthioidine effectively blocked the binding of NMO-IgG to AQP4 in immunofluorescence assays and reduced complement-dependent cytotoxicity against both NMO-IgG/complement-treated Fischer rat thyroid-AQP4 cells and primary astrocytes. The docking computations identified the putative sites of blocker binding at the extracellular surface of AQP4.

CONCLUSION

This study serves as proof of a potential NMO therapy by using a small-molecule blocker to target NMO pathogenesis.

Clinical and radiological profile of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in a Pakistani cohort

BACKGROUND

The clinical and radiological characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) from Pakistan is unknown. Our study aimed to describe the clinical and radiological features of NMOSD patients presenting to a Pakistani tertiary care center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, observational study was conducted at the Neurology Department, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences between January 2017 and September 2021 (56 months). The study included patients diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) according to the 2015 International Panel for NMO Diagnosis (IPND) criteria, with the exclusion of patients under 12 years of age and those who tested positive for Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) IgG antibody. The patients were divided into two groups based on clinical presentation and the presence of NMO-IgG antibodies: NMO-IgG positive NMO (Seropositive NMO) and NMO-IgG negative (Seronegative NMO). The clinical features of NMOSD were recorded, and data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.

RESULTS

Among 204 patients with suspected demyelination, multiple sclerosis was diagnosed in 100 individuals (49.02%), while acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) were found in 5 patients each (2.45%, 2.45%, and 17.65%, respectively). Out of 36 patients with NMO, 32 (88.89%) tested positive for NMO-Ab, while the remaining 4 (11.11%) were seronegative for both NMO and anti-MOG Abs. The mean age of NMO-positive patients who tested positive for NMO antibodies was 31.03±10.12 years, compared to 27.95±2.5 years for NMO-negative patients, though this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Females were more commonly affected by NMO, accounting for 72.2% of the NMO-positive group, and there was a significant difference in clinical phenotypes between the two groups (p<0.05). The NMO-positive group predominantly had relapsing NMO presentation (75%), and 72.8% of these patients showed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis on the MRI spine. Azathioprine was the most frequently administered treatment for positive NMO patients (69.44%), followed by rituximab and MMF. The follow-up period for the study participants lasted 24 months.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study on NMOSD cases in Pakistan. According to the present study, NMOSD is most prevalent among women in their forties. Relapsing NMO was the most common form of presentation. 89% of patients had antibodies against AQP4. 72.8% of patients suffered from LETM during the course of their disease. There are some features of our NMOSD cases that appear comparable with those around the world, despite some limitations in testing and access to care. It is clear that the clinical and radiological spectrums of patients with NMO and NMOSD in this cohort are similar. It is reasonable to suspect NMO if demyelinating episodes are not characteristic of MS.

Impact of dysautonomic symptom burden on the quality of life in Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the clinical risk factors of dysautonomic symptom burden in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and its impact on patients' quality of life.

METHODS

A total of 63 NMOSD patients and healthy controls were enrolled. All participants completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31) to screen for symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. A comprehensive clinical evaluation was performed on NMOSD patients, such as disease characteristics and composite evaluations of life status, including quality of life, anxiety/depression, sleep, and fatigue. Correlated factors of dysautonomic symptoms and quality of life were analyzed.

RESULTS

The score of COMPASS-31 in the NMOSD group was 17.2 ± 10.3, significantly higher than that in healthy controls (P = 0.002). In NMOSD patients, the higher COMPASS-31 score was correlated with more attacks (r = 0.49, P < 0.001), longer disease duration (r = 0.52, P < 0.001), severer disability (r = 0.50, P < 0.001), more thoracic cord lesions (r = 0.29, P = 0.02), more total spinal cord lesions (r = 0.35, P = 0.005), severer anxiety (r = 0.55, P < 0.001), severer depression (r = 0.48, P < 0.001), severer sleep disturbances (r = 0.59, P < 0.001), and severer fatigue (r = 0.56, P < 0.001). The disability, total spinal cord lesions, and fatigue were revealed to be independently associated factors. Further analysis revealed that the COMPASS-31 score was independently correlated with scores of all the domains of patients' quality of life scale (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Dysautonomic symptom burden is correlated with decreased quality of life and certain clinical characteristics such as disability, the burden of spinal cord lesions, and fatigue in NMOSD patients. Investigation and proper management of autonomic dysfunction may help to improve the quality of life in patients with NMOSD.

The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and the Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Expanded Disability Status Scale Score at One Year in Pediatric Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder but not in Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) are inflammatory biomarkers that may predict disease course in neuroinflammatory diseases. We examine whether NLR or MLR at the time of the first attack predicts longitudinal disease outcomes in pediatric neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

Clinical data were collected retrospectively at a single institution. NLR (ratio of percent neutrophils to percent lymphocytes) and MLR (ratio of percent monocytes to percent lymphocytes) were calculated in the complete blood cell count at the time of presentation before treatments. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and time to next relapse were used as the outcome assessments.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with MS and eight patients with aquaporin-4-positive NMOSD were included. For NMOSD, NLR at presentation associated with EDSS at six months (P = 0.003) and one year (P = 0.032) even when adjusting for age at presentation. MLR associated with EDSS at six months (P = 0.0203) and EDSS at one year (P = 0.0079). However, NLR and MLR did not predict EDSS scores in MS. MLR and NLR did not predict time to next relapse or did not associate with magnetic resonance imaging activity in MS and NMOSD. Changes in MLR and NLR were observed with disease-modifying therapies but did not predict disease activity.

CONCLUSIONS

NLR and MLR associated with six-month and one-year EDSS in children with NMOSD but not in MS. Future studies should explore whether changes in NLR and MLR could predict disease activity or treatment efficacy.

Comparison of OX40 expression in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica as an approach to diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that CD134 (OX40) co-stimulation is involved in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models and the antigen is expressed within multiple sclerosis lesions in humans. OX40 (CD134) is thought to be a secondary co-stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule that is expressed by T cells. This study aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of OX40 and its serum levels in the peripheral blood of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO).

METHODS

Patients with MS (n = 60), NMO (n = 20), and 20 healthy subjects were recruited from Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The diagnoses were confirmed by a specialist in clinical neurology. Peripheral venous blood was obtained from all subjects, and mRNA quantification of OX40 was conducted using real-time PCR. Serum samples were also obtained and the concentration of OX40 was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between the mRNA expression and serum levels of OX40 and disability as assessed using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) in the patients with MS, but not in the patients with NMO. Expression of OX40 mRNA was significantly higher in the peripheral blood of MS patients compared to healthy individuals and NMO patients (*P < 0.05). In addition, serum OX40 concentrations were also significantly higher in patients with MS patients compared with healthy subjects (9.08 ± 2.48 vs. 1.49 ± 0.54 ng/ml; P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that an increased expression of OX40 may be associated with the hyperactivation of T cells in patients with MS, and this may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Systemic lupus erythematosus with acute ischemic optic neuropathy complicated with neuromyelitis optica: a case report

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis optica is a relapsing-remitting disease characterized by a recurrent attack of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis; sometimes associated with acute brainstem syndrome. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune multisystem disorder in which ocular involvement such as acute ischemic optic neuropathy is a rare manifestation. However, neuromyelitis optica can be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 24-year-old Bangladeshi woman was admitted to the hospital with complaints of sudden, progressive, painless vision loss in both eyes, and progressive weakness in both lower limbs for 48 hours. She also gave a history of arthralgia, a photosensitive skin rash, intermittent fever, oral ulcerations, and alopecia for the last 2 months. On examination, the fundus was suggestive of bilateral acute ischemic neuropathy, and examinations of the lower limb revealed spastic paraparesis with sensory abnormality. Laboratory investigations revealed the presence of positive anti-aquaporin 4 antibody, strongly positive antinuclear antibody, and anti-ds DNA with the longitudinally extensive lesion on magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord. She was treated with methylprednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, and mycophenolate, and was discharged with improvement of her paraparesis. However, her vision did not improve substantially.

CONCLUSION

The importance of this report is to shed some light on the occurrence of two devastating complications that is, bilateral acute ischemic optic neuropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by neuromyelitis optica, as well as evidence of rare presentations for systemic lupus erythematosus and treatment modalities of ischemic optic neuropathy with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Neuromyelitis optica: Clinical course and potential prognostic indicators

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder associated with antibodies to aquaporin-4 (AQP4). NMOSD has been thought to follow a progressive disease course, with step-wise accumulation of disability over time, even in patients undergoing immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory therapy. The influence of factors such as AQP4 seropositivity, AQP4 serum titer levels, and administration of plasmapheresis on NMOSD prognosis is, as yet, unclear.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of 53 persons with NMOSD at Duke University Hospital-collecting data on longitudinal disease course, imaging, demographics, and serum AQP4 titers (measured using the ELISA or FACS method). Most patients in our cohort were treated with high-dose corticosteroids and, following diagnosis, received maintenance immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory therapies. Longitudinal data on EDSS scores were used to calculate the slope of disability over time for each participant. We additionally investigated the correlation between initial AQP4 seropositivity, initial AQP4 serum titer levels, and treatment with plasmapheresis on disability progression for each participant.

RESULTS

Contrary to current views on NMOSD disease course, the majority of our participants showed either no change (31.9%) or improvement (27.1%) in disability over time. Our results additionally revealed no significant association between clinical prognosis and initial AQP4 seropositivity (p = 0.830), initial AQP4 serum titer levels (p = 0.338), or administration of plasmapheresis (p = 0.1149).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study presents a contemporary view of the clinical course of NMOSD and shows a more favorable view of its disease course than prior studies (performed before high-efficacy disease modifying therapies became widely-used for this patient population). Most patients in this study received treatment with high-dose corticosteroids following NMOSD flares, as well as a variety of maintenance immunosuppressive therapies. The results of this study cannot shed light on the disease course of untreated NMOSD. Our findings additionally challenge the theory that AQP4 seropositivity or serum titer levels at time of diagnosis may be used to effectively predict NMOSD prognosis. While we were unable to find evidence supporting a favorable effect of plasmapheresis administration on disease outcomes, further research is needed to determine the role plasmapheresis ought to play in the treatment of NMOSD.

Pregnancy and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: 2022 recommendations from the French Multiple Sclerosis Society

BACKGROUND

In 2020, the French Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society (SFSEP) decided to develop a national evidence-based consensus on pregnancy in MS. As neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) shares a series of commonalities with MS, but also some significant differences, specific recommendations had to be developed.

OBJECTIVES

To establish recommendations on pregnancy in women with NMOSD.

METHODS

The French Group for Recommendations in Multiple Sclerosis (France4MS) reviewed PubMed and universities databases (January 1975 through June 2021). The RAND/UCLA appropriateness method, which was developed to synthesise the scientific literature and expert opinions on health care topics, was used to reach a formal agreement. Fifty-six MS experts worked on the full-text review and initial wording of recommendations. A sub-group of nine NMOSD experts was dedicated to analysing available data on NMOSD. A group of 62 multidisciplinary healthcare specialists validated the final proposal of summarised evidence.

RESULTS

A strong agreement was reached for all 66 proposed recommendations. They cover diverse topics, such as pregnancy planning, follow-up during pregnancy and postpartum, delivery routes, loco-regional analgesia or anaesthesia, prevention of postpartum relapses, breastfeeding, vaccinations, reproductive assistance, management of relapses, and disease-modifying treatments.

CONCLUSION

Physicians and patients should be aware of the new and specific evidence-based recommendations of the French MS Society for pregnancy in women with NMOSD. They should help harmonise counselling and treatment practise, allowing for better individualised choices.

Indications and Safety of Rituximab in Pediatric Neurology: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

RTX is used off-label in several neurological inflammatory diseases in adults children patients. We conducted a study to assess indications and safety of rituximab (RTX) for children and to identify risk factors for early B-cell repopulation.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study of children treated with RTX for a neurological disease between May 31, 2010, and May 31, 2020, was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 77 children (median age, 8.9 years) were included. RTX was mostly used as second-line therapy in all groups of diseases (68%). Median dose was 1500 mg/m² for each patient. There were 13 clinical relapses (17%), 5 when B-cell depletion was complete. Adverse events were present in 6% of the cases. The factors influencing early B-cell repopulation were the recent infusion of intravenous Ig (P < 0.01) and the administration of less than 1500 mg/m² during the first RTX treatment (P = 0.04). The median time to B-cell repopulation seemed to be shorter (160 vs 186 days) when patients had plasmapheresis even when a 48-hour delay was observed with RTX infusions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the good tolerance of RTX in the treatment of specific neurological disorders in a pediatric population. It also highlights risk factors for early B-cell repopulation and underlines the importance of B-cell monitoring.

Congestive myelopathy due to spinal dural arteriovenous fistula mimicking CNS demyelinating disease

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is known for its ambiguous and various clinical presentations. Among these presentations, congestive myelopathy is one of the most common, yet it is challenging to correctly diagnose SDAVF at initial presentation. Several diseases present as myelopathy, including demyelinating diseases. Herein, we present two cases of congestive myelopathy due to SDAVF presenting to the emergency room (ER) with progressive quadriparesis. Even though the patients had a proper magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination from the initial presentation, there was a delay in making a final diagnosis. Both patients' clinical presentation and MRI mimicked central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease initially, and a more thorough examination revealed SDAVF. Such a delay in diagnosis can result in more neurological deterioration and may result in more sequelae. Hence, SDAVF should always be considered as a differential diagnosis when examining patients with myelopathy.

AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and temporally detected neoplasms: case report and systematic review

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of reports on associations between neoplasms and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have been published over the past decade. However, types of neoplasms and temporal relationships have not been widely studied.

OBJECTIVE

To report cases and determine the associations between neoplasms and NMOSD.

METHOD

A retrospective chart review of possible paraneoplastic NMOSD patients at a university hospital was performed. Articles related to "neoplasm" and "NMOSD" were systematically searched and reviewed. We included aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG-seropositive NMOSD patients whose onset of NMOSD and cancer diagnosis or recurrence were within 24 months of one another. Temporal relationship, types of neoplasms involved, treatments, and outcomes of both NMOSD and neoplasms were determined. The subgroup analysis was based on the AQP4 expression of neoplasm histology.

RESULTS

We identified 3 cases (1.3%) from a cohort of 224 AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD at our hospital and retrieved 68 cases from a systematic review, totaling 71 cases of possible paraneoplastic NMOSD. The median age at onset of NMOSD was 55 (IQR 41-64) years. Eighty percent were female. The most frequently identified types of neoplasms were lung and breast, accounting for 21.1% and 18.3%, respectively. The other tumor types were ovarian tumors and hematologic malignancy, both at 12.7%. The most commonly identified tissue histology was adenocarcinoma (52.1%). We also reported the first case of melanoma in an NMOSD patient. Twenty-eight patients (39.4%) were diagnosed with cancer before the onset of NMOSD with a median duration of 9.5 (range 1-24) months. Of those, eight patients had NMOSD after surgical removal of neoplasms, and one patient had NMOSD after radiotherapy of prostate adenocarcinoma. Twenty-three patients (32.4%) had NMOSD before cancer diagnosis by a median of 3 (range 1-24) months, and the rest were diagnosed concurrently during the same admission. Three cases were diagnosed with NMOSD around the time of tumor recurrence. Tumor tissue expressed AQP4 in 82.4%.

CONCLUSION

A small proportion of AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD is associated with malignancy. In newly diagnosed NMOSD patients without symptoms of neoplasms, screening for age- and risk-appropriate cancer should be recommended, similar to the general population. The occurrence of NMOSD in cancer patients might suggest tumor recurrence.

Identification of specific causes of myelopathy in a large cohort of patients initially diagnosed with transverse myelitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Identifying the etiologic diagnosis in patients presenting with myelopathy is essential in order to guide appropriate treatment and follow-up. We set out to examine the etiologic diagnosis after comprehensive clinical evaluation and diagnostic work-up in a large cohort of patients referred to our specialized myelopathy clinic, and to explore the demographic profiles and symptomatic evolution of specific etiologic diagnoses.

METHODS

In this retrospective study of patients referred to the Johns Hopkins Myelitis and Myelopathy Center between 2006 and 2021 for evaluation of "transverse myelitis", the final etiologic diagnosis determined after comprehensive evaluation in each patient was reviewed and validated. Demographic characteristics and temporal profile of symptom evolution were recorded.

RESULTS

Of 1193 included patients, 772 (65%) were determined to have an inflammatory myelopathy and 421 (35%) were determined to have a non-inflammatory myelopathy. Multiple sclerosis/clinically isolated syndrome (n = 221, 29%) and idiopathic myelitis (n = 149, 19%) were the most frequent inflammatory diagnoses, while spinal cord infarction (n = 197, 47%) and structural causes of myelopathy (n = 108, 26%) were the most frequent non-inflammatory diagnoses. Compared to patients with inflammatory myelopathies, patients with non-inflammatory myelopathies were more likely to be older, male and experience chronic symptom evolution (p < 0.001 for all). Hyperacute symptom evolution was most frequent in patients with spinal cord infarction (74%), while chronic symptom evolution was most frequent in patients with structural causes of myelopathy (81%), arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous malformation (81%), myelopathy associated with rheumatologic disorder (71%), and sarcoidosis-associated myelopathy (61%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients initially diagnosed with "transverse myelitis" are eventually found to have a more specific inflammatory or even non-inflammatory cause, potentially resulting in inappropriate treatment and follow-up. Demographic characteristics and temporal profile of symptom evolution may help inform a differential diagnosis in these patients. Etiological diagnosis of myelopathies would provide better therapeutic decisions.

A novel aquaporin-4-associated optic neuritis rat model with severe pathological and functional manifestations

Background

Optic neuritis (ON) is a common manifestation of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody seropositive neuromyelitis optica (NMO). The extent of tissue damage is frequently severe, often leading to loss of visual function, and there is no curative treatment for this condition. To develop a novel therapeutic strategy, elucidating the underlying pathological mechanism using a clinically relevant experimental ON model is necessary. However, previous ON animal models have only resulted in mild lesions with limited functional impairment. In the present study, we attempted to establish a feasible ON model with severe pathological and functional manifestations using a high-affinity anti-AQP4 antibody. Subsequently, we aimed to address whether our model is suitable for potential drug evaluation by testing the effect of minocycline, a well-known microglia/macrophage inhibitor.

Methods

AQP4-immunoglobulin G (IgG)-related ON in rats was induced by direct injection of a high-affinity anti-AQP4 monoclonal antibody, E5415A. Thereafter, the pathological and functional characterizations were performed, and the therapeutic potential of minocycline was investigated.

Results

We established an experimental ON model that reproduces the histological characteristics of ON in seropositive NMO, such as loss of AQP4/glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity, immune cell infiltration, and extensive axonal damage. We also observed that our rat model exhibited severe visual dysfunction. The histological analysis showed prominent accumulation of macrophages/activated microglia in the lesion site in the acute phase. Thus, we investigated the possible effect of the pharmacological inhibition of macrophages/microglia activation by minocycline and revealed that it effectively ameliorated axonal damage and functional outcome.

Conclusions

We established an AQP4-IgG-induced ON rat model with severe functional impairments that reproduce the histological characteristics of patients with NMO. Using this model, we revealed that minocycline treatment ameliorates functional and pathological outcomes, highlighting the usefulness of our model for evaluating potential therapeutic drugs for ON in NMO.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02623-7.

Imaging characteristics of Sjögren's syndrome

The current workup of Sjögren's syndrome is based on diagnostic criteria involving a combination of histology, immunology, ophthalmology, and salivary flow. Several modern imaging techniques provide complementary and additional information to diagnosis, staging, and surveillance. In this review article, we discuss the characteristic salivary imaging findings seen with the most commonly utilized imaging modalities. We also discuss imaging findings of the central nervous system disorders associated with Sjögren's syndrome, including the neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and provide a differential diagnosis of alternative etiologies that can mimic Sjögren's syndrome.

COVID-19 infection after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in multiple sclerosis, AQP4-antibody NMOSD and MOGAD

BACKGROUND

In pre-vaccinated people with multiple sclerosis (MS), certain disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), particularly the anti-CD20 treatments, appear to be associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection and indeed with severe infection. It is still not known if such observations extend to vaccinated individuals and there have been considerably fewer studies in aquaporin-4-antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-antibody associated disease (MOGAD) patients. In this study, we investigated the rates of symptomatic COVID-19 infection in adult patients with MS, AQP4-NMOSD and MOGAD who had received 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study conducted at the 2 main neuroimmunology referral centres in Singapore. Only patients on active follow-up were recruited to ensure robust data collection. Data on demographics, disease history, DMTs and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations were recorded, and for those infected with COVID-19, data on COVID-19 infection was collected.

RESULTS

Nineteen (13 MS, 5 AQP4-NMOSD, 1 MOGAD) out of 365 (231 MS, 106 AQP4-NMOSD, 28 MOGAD) patients had COVID-19 infection despite 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Amongst the infected patients, 11 patients were on DMTs (3 rituximab, 2 interferons, 1 azathioprine, 1 mycophenolate, 1 prednisolone, 1 cladribine, 1 alemtuzumab, 1 fingolimod), while 8 patients were untreated. The crude infection rate was calculated using time-at-risk analysis, revealing that rituximab had the highest infection rate amongst all the DMTs. A lower crude infection rate was observed in patients who received a third vaccination. The majority of infections were mild and no patients required oxygen supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that patients on rituximab are still at risk of COVID-19 infection after 2 vaccinations and the receipt of a third vaccination may help to prevent infection. Future large scale studies will be required to better delineate the infection risk of different DMTs after the second and subsequent vaccinations.

P2R Inhibitors Prevent Antibody-Mediated Complement Activation in an Animal Model of Neuromyelitis Optica : P2R Inhibitors Prevent Autoantibody Injury

Purinergic 2 receptors (P2Rs) contribute to disease-related immune cell signaling and are upregulated in various pathological settings, including neuroinflammation. P2R inhibitors have been used to treat inflammatory diseases and can protect against complement-mediated cell injury. However, the mechanisms behind these anti-inflammatory properties of P2R inhibitors are not well understood, and their potential in CNS autoimmunity is underexplored. Here, we tested the effects of P2R inhibitors on glial toxicity in a mouse model of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). NMOSD is a destructive CNS autoimmune disorder, in which autoantibodies against astrocytic surface antigen Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) mediate complement-dependent loss of astrocytes. Using two-photon microscopy in vivo, we found that various classes of P2R inhibitors prevented AQP4-IgG/complement-dependent astrocyte death. In vitro, these drugs inhibited the binding of AQP4-IgG or MOG-IgG to their antigen in a dose-dependent manner. Size-exclusion chromatography and circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed a partial unfolding of antibodies in the presence of various P2R inhibitors, suggesting a shared interference with IgG antibodies leading to their conformational change. Our study demonstrates that P2R inhibitors can disrupt complement activation by direct interaction with IgG. This mechanism is likely to influence the role of P2R inhibitors in autoimmune disease models and their therapeutic impact in human disease.

To be or not to be vaccinated: The risk of MS or NMOSD relapse after COVID-19 vaccination and infection

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 vaccination and infection are speculated to increase the activity of immune-mediated diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The aim of this study was to evaluate a short-term risk of relapse after COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 infection in patients with these demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system and to determine disease exacerbation risk factors.

METHODS

Data in this retrospective, observational cohort study was collected via the Czech nationwide registry ReMuS from March 1, 2020, to October 30, 2021. We compared the proportion of patients with at least one clinical relapse in the 90 days following vaccination or infection to the 90-day intervals during the year before. For the evaluation of the risk factors of relapse, a comparison between groups with and without relapses after COVID-19 vaccination or infection was made.

RESULTS

We identified 1661 vaccinated (90.11% BNT162b2) patients with MS without a history of COVID-19 and 495 unvaccinated patients with MS who experienced COVID-19. A mild increase in the proportion of patients with at least one clinical relapse (-360 to -270 days: 4.46%; -270 to -180: 4.27%; -180 to -90: 3.85%; -90 to 0: 3.79% vs. 0 to +90 days: 5.30%) after vaccination in patients with MS was observed, as well as a rise in the proportion of patients with at least one clinical relapse after COVID-19. Lower age was associated with MS relapse after vaccination or infection. Although there were only 17 vaccinated and eight post-COVID-19 patients with NMOSD, the results were broadly consistent with those of patients with MS.

CONCLUSION

There is a mild increase in the relapse incidence after the COVID-19 vaccination. The risks, however, need to be balanced against the risks of COVID-19 itself, also leading to the rise in relapse rate and particularly to morbidity and mortality.

Relapsing antibody-negative patients with features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Differences in N-acetylaspartate level in the cervical spinal cord indicate distinct underlying processes

BACKGROUND

Due to lack of biomarkers, antibody-negative patients with features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are among the most challenging to diagnose and treat. Using unsupervised clustering, we recently identified 'MS-like', 'spinal MS-like', 'classic NMOSD-like' and 'NMOSD-like with brain involvement' subgroups in this cohort.

OBJECTIVE

We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to examine differences in the level of key metabolites in the spinal cord between the four identified subgroups.

METHODS

Twenty-five relapsing antibody-negative patients with NMOSD features classified by the unsupervised algorithm to one of the subgroups underwent a prospective cervical spinal cord MRS. Spectra from 16 patients fulfilled quality criteria and were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA), but not total choline (tCho) or myo-inositol (Ins), was significantly different between the four subgroups (p = 0.03). In particular, tNAA was 47.8% lower in the 'MS-like' subgroup as compared with the 'classic NMOSD-like' subgroup (p = 0.02). While we found a negative overall correlation between tNAA and disability score (r = -0.514, p = 0.04) in the whole cohort, the disability score did not differ significantly between the subgroups to explain subgroup differences in tNAA level.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences in the cervical spinal cord tNAA measurements confirm that the previously identified clinico-radiologic subgroups contain patients with distinct underlying disease processes.

The role of complement and complement therapeutics in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

INTRODUCTION

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are characterized in the majority of cases by the presence of IgG1 autoantibodies against aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), both capable of activating complement.

AREAS COVERED

We review evidence of complement involvement in NMOSD pathophysiology from pathological, in vitro, in vivo, human studies, and clinical trials.

EXPERT OPINION

In AQP4 NMOSD, complement deposition is a prominent pathological feature, while in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated complement-dependent pathogenicity of AQP4 antibodies. Consistent with these studies, the anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab was remarkably effective and safe in a phase 2/3 trial of AQP4-NMOSD patents leading to FDA-approved indication. Several other anti-complement agents, either approved or in trials for other neuro-autoimmunities, like myasthenia, CIDP, and GBS, are also relevant to NMOSD generating an exciting group of evolving immunotherapies. Limited but compelling in vivo and in vitro data suggest that anti-complement therapeutics may be also applicable to a subset of MOG NMOSD patients with severe disease. Overall, anticomplement agents, along with the already approved anti-IL6 and anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies sartralizumab and inebilizumab, are rapidly changing the therapeutic algorithm in NMOSD, a previously difficult-to-treat autoimmune neurological disorder.

Role of the gut microbiota in the development of various neurological diseases

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the scientific evidence supporting a relationship between the microbiota and various diseases has increased significantly; this trend has also been observed for neurological diseases. This has given rise to the concept of the gut-brain axis and the idea of a relationship between the gut microbiota and several neurological diseases whose aetiopathogenesis is yet to be clearly defined.

DEVELOPMENT

We review the role of the gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis and analyse those neurological diseases in which alterations in the gut microbiota have been described as a result of human studies: specifically, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and multiple sclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The body of evidence linking the gut microbiota to various neurological diseases has grown considerably. Several interesting studies show a relationship between the gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer disease, neuromyelitis optica, and multiple sclerosis, whereas other controversial studies implicate it in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Many of these studies place considerable emphasis on modulation of inflammation, particularly by bacteria capable of producing short-chain fatty acids. Despite these encouraging results, many questions remain, and there is a need to demonstrate causality, determine the role of fungi or viruses, and research possible treatment through diet, probiotics, or faecal microbiota transplantation.

Role of the gut microbiota in the development of various neurological diseases

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the scientific evidence supporting a relationship between the microbiota and various diseases has increased significantly; this trend has also been observed for neurological diseases. This has given rise to the concept of the gut-brain axis and the idea of a relationship between the gut microbiota and several neurological diseases whose aetiopathogenesis is yet to be clearly defined.

DEVELOPMENT

We review the role of the gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis and analyse those neurological diseases in which alterations in the gut microbiota have been described as a result of human studies: specifically, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and multiple sclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The body of evidence linking the gut microbiota to various neurological diseases has grown considerably. Several interesting studies show a relationship between the gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer disease, neuromyelitis optica, and multiple sclerosis, whereas other controversial studies implicate it in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Many of these studies place considerable emphasis on modulation of inflammation, particularly by bacteria capable of producing short-chain fatty acids. Despite these encouraging results, many questions remain, and there is a need to demonstrate causality, determine the role of fungi or viruses, and research possible treatment through diet, probiotics, or faecal microbiota transplantation.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders in North Indian Population: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction

To understand neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) better we need to study them in different populations. This prospective study was conducted to characterize clinical, serological, radiological, and therapeutic profile of NMOSDs in a North Indian population.

Materials and Methods

This study included 81 patients with NMOSDs. All patients underwent detailed history and examinations and were followed at 3 monthly intervals. They were evaluated using standard investigations including gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine with thin section optic nerve cuts and treated as per the standard guidelines. Data were recorded meticulously.

Results

The mean age was 33.7 ± 13.4 years. The mean age at disease onset was 31.2 ± 13.5 years. Female-to-male ratio was 1.9:1. About 32.1% of patients presented with optic neuritis (ON), 56.8% with transverse myelitis (TM), and 11.1% with both ON and TM. The mean time from disease onset to diagnosis was 16.17 ± 23.09 months. Muscle atrophy, Lhermitte symptom, and tonic spasms were common. Foster-Kennedy syndrome-like presentation was seen in 8.6%. NMO antibodies were positive in 41 patients. MRI revealed involvement of <4 vertebral segments in 16.4% of patients with TM. Patients were managed as per standard guidelines. The mean follow-up duration was 15.3 ± 6 months. Approximately 88.9% had good functional outcome.

Conclusion

NMOSDs are a common cause of demyelinating illnesses in Northern India. The response to treatment is excellent and most patients recover without residual disability.

The role of autophagy-related proteins in the pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

This study aimed to investigate the expression of autophagy-related proteins in a mouse model of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Mice were assigned to one of four groups: an animal experimental model group (NMO-EAE group, given with exogenous IL-17A), Interleukin-17 monoclonal antibody intervention group (NMO-EAE_0IL17inb), No exogenous interleukin-17 enhanced immune intervention group (NMO-EAE_0IL17), and a control group. Behavioral scores were assessed in each group, and the protein expressions of sequestosome 1 (P62), Beclin-1, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K-I), and LC3II/LC3I were detected using Western blotting. In the NMO-EAE_0IL17 group, the expression of Beclin-1 decreased, the LC3II/LC3I ratio was lower, and the expressions of P62, mTOR, and PI3K-I increased; after administration of IL-17A inhibitor into the brain tissue, however, the expression of Beclin-1 increased significantly, along with the LC3II/LC3I ratio, while the expressions of P62, mTOR and PI3K-I protein decreased significantly. In terms of behavioral scores, the scores of optic neuritis and myelitis were more serious, onset occurred earlier and the progress was faster, after the administration of IL-17A. In the mechanism of NMO animal model, IL-17A may regulate autophagy and affect the disease process through the activation of the PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway.

Experience with tocilizumab in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

INTRODUCTION

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are immune-mediated inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system involving astrocytes, B lymphocytes, anti-aquaporin 4, and such inflammatory mediators as interleukin-6. Several immunosuppressants are used in their treatment. Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, may be a treatment option.

METHOD

We performed an observational, retrospective study analysing parameters of effectiveness (annualised relapse rate, disability, and radiological progression) and safety of tocilizumab in patients with NMOSD in whom previous immunosuppressant treatment had failed. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab in clinical practice in patients with NMOSD not responding to other immunosuppressants.

RESULTS

Five patients with NMOSD were analysed. Sixty percent of patients were women; mean age at diagnosis was 50±5.3 years and mean progression time was 4.5±3.6 years. Previously administered immunosuppressants were rituximab (in all 5), cyclophosphamide (2), and azathioprine (1). Mean time of exposure to tocilizumab was 2.3±1 years. Mean annualised relapse rate was 1.8±1.3 in the year prior to the introduction of tocilizumab and 0.2±0.4 the year after (P<.05), representing a reduction of 88.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, tocilizumab is safe and effective in patients with NMOSD showing no response to other immunosuppressants.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapies Beyond Complement for NMOSD and MOGAD

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG-associated disease (MOGAD) are inflammatory demyelinating disorders distinct from each other and from multiple sclerosis (MS).While anti-CD20 treatments can be used to treat MS and AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD, some MS medications are ineffective or could exacerbate AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD including beta-interferons, natalizumab, and fingolimod. AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD has a relapsing course in most cases, and preventative maintenance treatments should be started after the initial attack. Rituximab, eculizumab, inebilizumab, and satralizumab all have class 1 evidence for use in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD, and the latter three have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MOGAD is much more likely to be monophasic than AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD, and preventative therapy is usually reserved for those who have had a disease relapse. There is a lack of any class 1 evidence for MOGAD preventative treatment. Observational benefit has been suggested from oral immunosuppressants, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), rituximab, and tocilizumab. Randomized placebo-controlled trials are urgently needed in this area.

Experience with tocilizumab in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

INTRODUCTION

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are immune-mediated inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system involving astrocytes, B lymphocytes, anti-aquaporin 4, and such inflammatory mediators as interleukin-6. Several immunosuppressants are used in their treatment. Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, may be a treatment option.

METHOD

We performed an observational, retrospective study analysing parameters of effectiveness (annualised relapse rate, disability, and radiological progression) and safety of tocilizumab in patients with NMOSD in whom previous immunosuppressant treatment had failed. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab in clinical practice in patients with NMOSD not responding to other immunosuppressants.

RESULTS

Five patients with NMOSD were analysed. Sixty percent of patients were women; mean age at diagnosis was 50±5.3 years and mean progression time was 4.5±3.6 years. Previously administered immunosuppressants were rituximab (in all 5), cyclophosphamide (2), and azathioprine (1). Mean time of exposure to tocilizumab was 2.3±1 years. Mean annualised relapse rate was 1.8±1.3 in the year prior to the introduction of tocilizumab and 0.2±0.4 the year after (P <.05), representing a reduction of 88.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, tocilizumab is safe and effective in patients with NMOSD showing no response to other immunosuppressants.