Distinctive characteristics of early-onset and late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Objectives: Little is known about patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) as defined by onset age. This study aimed to analyze the different demographic, clinical, laboratory, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics in early-onset (≤50 years) NMOSD (EONMOSD) and late-onset (>50 years) NMOSD (LONMOSD). Materials and Methods: We enrolled 142 patients with NMOSD from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China, and categorized them into two groups according to the age of onset: EONMOSD and LONMOSD. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and MRI characteristics were collected and compared between the two groups. Serum aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody levels were determined by cell-based assay and fluorescence immunoprecipitation assays. Results: Among the patients studied, 83 had early onset (≤50 years) and 59 had late onset (>50 years) of NMOSD. As compared with LONMOSD, EONMOSD patients had more severe visual disability according to functional scores in clinical parameters, significantly lower C3 and C4 serum levels, more frequent cervical lesions, and more lesions around the fourth ventricle, but fewer lesions in hemispheric white matter. LONMOSD patients suffered more motor and sensory disability than EONMOSD patients. Conclusions: In NMOSD, the clinical, laboratory, and MRI features differ according to age of onset, suggesting that differences in pathogenesis and treatment should be further investigated.     

Perivascular Enhancement in a Patient with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disease during an Optic Neuritis Attack

We present a case with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) who had perivascular enhancement during an optic neuritis attack. Cloud‐like enhancement, pencil‐thin enhancement, and leptomeningeal enhancement have been defined as specific enhancement patterns to neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Perivascular enhancement has not been described before in NMO/NMOSD. This finding suggests that perivascular enhancement may also be seen in NMO/NMOSD patients.     

A clinical and radiological profile of neuromyelitis optica and spectrum disorders in an Indian cohort

Background:

There is insufficient data on the clinical and radiological features of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) from India.

Objective:

The objective of the following study is to examine the clinico-radiological features of NMO and NMOSD in an Indian cohort.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included 44 consecutive patients who (1) satisfied the 2006 Wingerchuk criteria for NMO (16 seropositive and 7 seronegative); or (2) had isolated or recurrent optic neuritis (ON) with seropositivity (n = 4); or (3) had isolated or recurrent myelitis with seropositivity (n = 17).

Results:

The female:male ratio was 7.8:1 with median age of onset 26.5 (range 8-72). Annualized relapse rate (ARR) was comparable across all groups (F [3, 40] = 0.938 and P = 0.431). Various presentations other than ON and myelitis were noted. All 40 patients with myelitis had spinal cord lesions involving ≥3 vertebral segments during the course of the disease. Cervicomedullary involvement was seen in 32.5% (13/40) patients. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was available for 40 patients; eight of these (20%) had brain lesions in locations described in multiple sclerosis (MS), 27.5% (11/40) had lesions at sites unusual for MS and 52.5% (21/40) had normal brain imaging.

Conclusion:

NMO and NMOSD patients in this cohort have comparable ARR regardless of clinical presentation, supporting the emerging trend of treating all patients with immunotherapeutic agents at an early stage. Varied presentations seen in NMO and NMOSD highlight the need for a high index of suspicion for NMO in demyelinating episodes not classical for MS.     

Results of a Survey on Diagnostic Procedures and Treatment Choices for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in Korea: Beyond the Context of Current Clinical Guidelines

Background and PurposeNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). We investigated the medical behaviors of experts in Korea when they are diagnosing and treating NMOSD.MethodsAn anonymous questionnaire on the diagnosis and treatment of NMOSD was distributed to experts in CNS demyelinating diseases.ResultsMost respondents used the 2015 diagnostic criteria for NMOSD and applied a cerebrospinal fluid examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine, and anti-aquaporin-4 antibody testing to all suspected cases of NMOSD. All respondents prescribed steroid pulse therapy as an first-line therapy in the acute phase of NMOSD, and 67% prescribed azathioprine for maintenance therapy in NMOSD. However, details regarding monitoring, the tapering period of oral steroids, second-line therapy use in refractory cases, management during pregnancy, and schedule of follow-up MRI differed according to the circumstances of individual patients. We analyzed the differences in response rates between two groups of respondents according to the annual number of NMOSD patients that they treated. The group that had been treating ≥10 NMOSD patients annually preferred rituximab more often as the second-line therapy (p=0.011) and had more experience with rituximab treatment (p=0.015) compared with the group that had been treating <10 NMOSD patients.ConclusionsThis study has revealed that NMOSD experts in Korea principally follow the available treatment guidelines. However, the differences in specific clinical practices applied to uncertain cases that have been revealed will need to be investigated further in order to formulate suitable recommendations.     

Disease Course and Outcomes in Patients With the Limited Form of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders and Negative AQP4-IgG Serology at Disease Onset: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background and PurposePatients presenting with clinical characteristics that are strongly suggestive of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) have a high risk of developing definite NMOSD in the future. Little is known about the clinical course, treatment, and prognosis of these patients with likely NMOSD at disease onset.MethodsThis study prospectively recruited and visited 24 patients with the limited form of NMOSD (LF-NMOSD) at disease onset from November 2012 to June 2021. Their demographics, clinical course, longitudinal aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) serology, MRI, therapeutic management, and outcome data were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe onset age of the cohort was 38.1±12.0 years (mean±standard deviation). The median disease duration was 73.5 months (interquartile range=44.3–117.0 months), and the follow-up period was 54.2±23.8 months. At the end of the last visit, the final diagnosis was categorized into AQP4-IgG-seronegative NMOSD (n=16, 66.7%), AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD (n=7, 29.2%), or multiple sclerosis (n=1, 4.2%). Seven of the 24 patients (29.2%) experienced conversion to AQP4-IgG seropositivity, and the interval from onset to this serological conversion was 37.9±21.9 months. Isolated/mixed area postrema syndrome (APS) was the predominant onset phenotype (37.5%). The patients with isolated/mixed APS onset showed a predilection for conversion to AQP4-IgG seropositivity. All patients experienced a multiphasic disease course, with immunosuppressive therapy reducing the incidence rates of clinical relapse and residual functional disability.ConclusionsDefinite NMOSD may be preceded by LF-NMOSD, particularly isolated/mixed APS. Intensive long-term follow-up and attack-prevention immunotherapeutic management is recommended in patients with LF-NMOSD.     

视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病在长期免疫抑制治疗前的病程特点及预后分析

目的了解中国视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病(NMOSD)患者有效免疫抑制治疗前的病程特点和预后。方法对122例中国NMOSD患者的首次发病症状、复发情况和神经功能障碍情况进行回顾性分析,应用KaplanMeier方法分析预后。结果 122例NMOSD患者(女性占86%)的首次发病症状,41例有视神经炎表现,43例累及脊髓,41例累及延髓最后区,累及脑部其他位置的15例,视神经和脊髓同时受累的仅2例。122例中116例(95%)病程中有复发,78例(67%)在发病1年内、94例(77%)在发病2年内复发,年复发率中位数(最小值~最大值)1.30(0.05~10.00)次/年。首次发作后,3个月后恢复期扩展残疾状态量表(EDSS)评分中位数(最小值~最大值)为0(0~7),仅6例(5%)不能独立行走(EDSS评分≥6);第2次临床发作后恢复期,99例(81%)无或仅有很轻微神经功能障碍(EDSS评分≤3),8例(7%)EDSS评分≥6。预后分析结果显示发病10年后约20%患者不能独立行走,25%至少单眼盲。结论此组中国NMOSD绝大多数呈复发性病程,虽有较明显的致残性,但前两次发作后仅有小部分患者遗留神经功能障碍。     

脑脊液MOG抗体阳性的视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病患者的临床特征

目的探讨MOG抗体阳性的NMOSD患者的临床特点。方法选择29例NMOSD患者,根据血清AQP-4抗体以及脑脊液MOG抗体检测结果,分为MOG抗体阳性、AQP4抗体阳性的NMOSD(剔除双阳性者),同时选择13例MS患者作为对照。回顾性分析上述三组患者临床信息,统计归纳其临床特点。结果 29例NMOSD患者中血清AQP4抗体阳性者11例,脑脊液MOG抗体阳性者8例。36.4%(4例/11例)AQP4抗体阳性、62.5%(5例/8例)MOG抗体阳性NMOSD患者,以及7.7%(1例/13例)MS患者合并脊髓炎与视神经炎,三组间差异有统计学意义(χ~2=7.128,P=0.028),其中MOG抗体阳性NMOSD患者较MS患者更易合并视神经炎(χ~2=7.289,P=0.014)。MOG抗体阳性NMOSD患者缓解期EDSS分数低于AQP4抗体阳性NMOSD患者[3.50(2.50,4.00),4.00(3.50,6.00),Z=-2.379,P=0.020]。MOG抗体阳性NMOSD脊髓病灶多表现为多发的长节段脊髓病灶,50%(4例/8例)MOG抗体阳性脊髓病灶个数大于1个,与MS组无明显差异,而AQP4抗体阳性组均为单个病灶。MOG抗体阳性NMOSD脊髓病灶长度较AQP4抗体阳性组短[分别(3(2,3)个椎体、4(3,5)个椎体,Z=-2.499,P=0.012],较MS组[(1.25(1,1.5)个椎体]长(Z=-3.447,P0.001)。8例MOG抗体阳性患者中5例存在颅内病灶,3例表现为NMOSD样颅内病灶,余2例表现为MS样颅内病灶,其病灶形态及部位与AQP4抗体阳性组无明显差异,而与MS组存在差异。结论 MOG抗体阳性NMOSD合并视神经炎的患者较多,临床残障程度较轻,预后较好,脊髓病灶为多发的长节段脊髓病灶;颅内病灶的形态及部位与MS无明显差异。     

视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病合并重症肌无力的临床特点及相关机制

目的探讨视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病(neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,NMOSD)与重症肌无力(myasthenia gravis,MG)共病的临床特点及可能机制。方法对北京协和医院炎性脱髓鞘疾病临床研究队列中的NMOSD与MG共病患者2例进行报道,并进行文献复习,总结NMOSD合并MG患者的临床特点。结果自2011年1月至2019年4月,本队列共登记NMOSD患者654例,其中2例(3.06‰)合并MG;结合既往文献报道,本文共纳入79例NMOSD与MG共病患者。NMOSD与MG共病多见于青中年,女性居多(64例,85.3%);MG多先于NMOSD发生,两病出现的平均间隔时间为(12.05±5.04)年;MG类型多为全身型(55例,69.6%),共48例(60.8%)接受了胸腺切除术;NMOSD与MG共病者可合并其他免疫疾病及存在其他免疫相关抗体阳性。结论NMOSD及MG的共病不仅仅是巧合,其共病存在一定特点,值得临床注意。     

中央静脉征在复发缓解型多发性硬化中的MRI特征及诊断价值

目的探讨中央静脉征(CVS)在复发缓解型多发性硬化(RRMS)中特征性的MRI表现及其在RRMS诊断中的价值。方法收集2017年1月至2019年3月北京天坛医院收治的临床确诊的复发缓解型MS(RRMS)患者33例、视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病(NMOSD)患者30例及脑小血管病(CSVD)患者26例,根据北美MS影像检查合作组发布的《中央静脉征诊断多发性硬化症及其临床评价共识声明》中CVS的诊断标准及排除标准进行阅片,比较各组患者出现CVS阳性率、病灶中出现CVS阳性率以及CVS分布部位的差异。采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析CVS对RRMS诊断及鉴别诊断的价值,并计算CVS阳性率的cut-off值。结果三组患者存在CVS的比例比较有统计学差异(P=0.007)。RRMS病灶CVS阳性率高于NMOSD病灶(44.9%比8.0%,P<0.01),CVS阳性率的cut-off值为16.5%时,其诊断RRMS的敏感度为78.9%,特异性为91.3%。RRMS患者CVS的分布以脑室旁(50.9%)为主,深部白质(20.7%)及近皮层(16.6%)次之,幕下较为少见(11.8%)。结论 CVS...     

Lesions of the posterior limb of the internal capsule in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Posterior limb of the internal capsule lesions (PLICL) are one of the MRI features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, there is no evidence that such lesions are pathogenically related to NMOSD. We retrospectively analyzed features of PLICL in NMOSD, and other central nervous system inflammatory disorders, in 561 patients. We also examined the pathological samples of six patients. Of the 561 patients investigated, PLICL were found in 65 patients (11.6%). Lesions were bilateral in 26 cases (40%) and unilateral in 39 cases (60%). Unilateral lesions were mainly located on the left side (74.3%, 29/39). Of the 65 patients with PLICL, 46 patients had NMOSD (70.8%) and were positive for anti-aquaporin (AQP4-IgG), four had NMOSD (6.2%) and were AQP4-IgG negative, 10 patients had multiple sclerosis (MS), three patients had NMDAR encephalitis, and two had autoimmune meningoencephalitis. Of the six patients whose pathological samples were evaluated, all had PLICL and were negative for AQP4-IgG, and none had pathological NMOSD lesion features. These cases included three patients with multiple sclerosis, one with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, and two with autoimmune meningoencephalitis. In conclusion, PLICL are found not only in patients with NMOSD, but also in MS and other disorders.     

Espectro de neuromielitis óptica: ¿seropositivo para la anticuaporina es una entidad diferente de los pacientes que son seronegativos? Una perspectiva de Colombia

IntroductionNeuromyelitis 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).ObjectiveThis 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.MethodsOur 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.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionsClinical, 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.     

HIV感染合并视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病一例报道并文献复习

目的总结HIV感染合并视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病(NMOSD)患者的临床特点,以提高临床对其认识。方法报道作者医院收治的1例以视神经脊髓炎症状起病的AIDS患者的临床资料,并结合文献进行复习。结果文献检索HIV感染合并NMOSD患者7例,结合本文报道的1例共8例,年龄8~55岁,平均(39.1±14.4)岁,其中男5例、女3例。8例患者均发生脊髓炎,7例发生视神经炎。血CD4+T细胞降低3例(3/8)。脑脊液(CSF)细胞学检测异常4例(4/8),表现为白细胞轻度升高,以淋巴细胞炎性反应为主,6例蛋白水平升高(6/8)。血清水通道蛋白4抗体阳性3例(3/7)。CSF寡克隆区带阳性3例(3/5)。MRI检查显示颅内多发病灶2例(2/8),颈段或胸段脊髓病灶8例(8/8),其中4例为颈髓至胸髓连续长节段病灶。8例患者接受免疫治疗,其中7例接受糖皮质激素治疗,3例(3/8)肌力完全恢复或能独立行走,1例(1/8)肌力部分恢复,4例(4/8)肌力无明显恢复,3例(3/7)视力恢复至粗测正常,1例(1/7)视力部分恢复,3例(3/7)失明。复发5例,其中4例1年内复发。1例死亡。结论HIV感染合并NMOSD患者致残率高,易复发,部分患者免疫治疗有效。     

Telitacicept following plasma exchange in the treatment of subjects with recurrent neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A single‐center,single‐arm,open‐label study

IntroductionNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), mainly mediated by B cells and AQP4 antibody, has a high rate of recurrence. Telitacicept is a novel drug specifically targeting the upstream signaling for the activation of B cell with its following production of autoimmune antibodies. Thus, it may be a promising approach. Our study preliminarily explored the potential safety and effectiveness of Telitacicept following plasma exchange in the treatment of recurrent NMOSD.MethodsThis was a single‐center, single‐arm, open‐label study enrolling eight patients with recurrent NMOSD in China. All patients received plasma exchange three times, followed by Telitacicept 240 mg every week for 46 times. The primary endpoint was the time of first recurrence after enrollment. Secondary end points included: changes in Expanded Disability Status Scale score, Optic Spinal Impairment Scale score, Hauser Ambulation Index, number of lesions on MRI, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by optical coherence tomography, latency and amplitude of visual evoked potential, titer of AQP4 antibody, and immune parameters of blood. Safety was also assessed. The study was registered with Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1800019427).ResultsEight eligible patients were enrolled. Relapse occurred in two patients (25%) and five patients (63%) remained relapse free after 48 weeks of treatment. The time to first recurrence was prolonged and the number of recurrences was reduced (p < 0.001, power of test = 1). One patient withdrew from the study due to low neutrophil count. No serious adverse events occurred.ConclusionsIn this small, uncontrolled study, Telitacicept following plasma exchange has the potential to be a safe treatment for patients with recurrent NMOSD. It may prolong the recurrence interval and reduces the annual count of recurrences. A multicenter randomized controlled study with a larger sample is thus feasible and needed to further assess its safety and efficacy.     

Hypothalamic abnormality in patients with inflammatory demyelinating disorders

Background: Hypothalamic lesions in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) patients might be more specific for NMO than multiple sclerosis (MS). However, this is controversial. Objective: To characterize clinical features of patients with inflammatory demyelinating disorders (IDDs) with visible hypothalamic lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Patients with IDDs (n = 429) were recruited retrospectively. Results: Of 52 patients with hypothalamic images enrolled, 42 were positive for aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies, including 28 patients with NMO, 6 with recurrent transverse myelitis, 3 with recurrent optic neuritis, and 5 with brainstem and brain syndrome. The remaining 10 patients were anti-AQP4-negative, including 3 with MS, 3 with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and 4 with other disorders. In the AQP4-positive group, manifestations, including ataxia, intractable hiccup and nausea, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and encephalopathy were more frequent in those with hypothalamic lesions than those without. Cell counts of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with hypothalamic lesions differed from patients without lesions. Brain MRI abnormalities were more frequent in brainstem and hemisphere of the hypothalamic lesion group. Conclusions: Hypothalamic lesions were observed frequently in patients with AQP4 antibodies. Clinical manifestations and paraclinical features in AQP4-positive patients with hypothalamic lesions differed from those without lesions.     

Aquaporin 4 distribution in the brain and its relevance for the radiological appearance of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease

Background and purposeTo determine the precise incidence of lesions at sites of high Aquaporin-4 expression (hAQP4) and their possible association with known neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) lesions patterns.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of brain and, when available, spinal cord MRI scans of 54 NMOSD patients recruited among the French NMOSD cohort was performed. Brain lesions were annotated as MS-like, non-specific, or evocative of NMOSD. The topography of hAQP4 was reassessed by human brain atlas. The incidence of lesions in hAQP4 and their association with lesions evocative of NMOSD was estimated.ResultsAmong those included (41/54 female, mean age: 45 years) 47/54 (87%) presented brain lesions. Twenty-six/47 (55%) had lesions in hAQP4. Thirty-two/54 patients (60%) had lesions considered evocative of NMOSD. The majority of them also presented lesions in hAQP4 (65%, 21/32). Patients with lesions in hAQP4 and lesions evocative of NMOSD demonstrated more extensive myelitis compared to the other patients (7 [6–10] versus 4 [3–5] vertebral segments, P = 0.009).ConclusionThe coexistence of lesions evocative of NMOSD and in hAQP4 is associated with significantly more extensive myelitis, and might have pathophysiological and clinical significance.     

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders may be misdiagnosed as Wernicke's encephalopathy

Purpose: To raise doctors’ attention to the differential diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE). Patients and methods: We extensively reviewed the medical records of 136 patients who had visited our hospital since 2008 and were suspected of having central nervous system demyelinating diseases. Four of those patients had somnolence, electrolyte imbalance and brain lesions around the third ventricle and were included in the study. We tested the serum of the four patients for the presence of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) M23 antibody. Results: All the four patients had positive AQP4 antibody in their serum. Two of the patients were misdiagnosed as WE before AQP4 antibody detection occurred. Conclusions: NMOSD and WE have similar brain lesion locations, histopathological changes and clinical manifestations. It is important to distinguish NMOSD from WE by detecting AQP4 antibody in serum or cerebral spinal fluid. Vitamin B1 should also be administered to the patients who have a history of thiamine deficiency.     

视神经脊髓炎谱系病患者疼痛的初步研究

目的初步探讨视神经脊髓炎谱系病(NMOSD)患者相关的疼痛问题。方法收集57例NMOSD患者和51例多发性硬化(MS)患者的临床资料,采用数字疼痛强度量表(NRS)对患者疼痛程度及部位进行评估,对比分析两组疼痛发生情况、严重程度、部位及治疗情况。结果 NMOSD组患者疼痛发生率明显高于MS组患者(63.16%vs.35.29%,χ2=8.359,P=0.004)。NMOSD组患者痛性痉挛发生率与MS组差异无统计学意义(24.56%vs.11.76%,χ2=2.921,P=0.087)。NMOSD组患者的疼痛评分在0~8分,以中度疼痛为主[20例(55.56%)],MS组患者的疼痛评分在0~7分,以轻度疼痛为主[11例(61.11%)],但两组间轻度疼痛与中重度疼痛患者比例差异无统计学意义(36.11%vs.61.11%,63.89%vs.38.89%,χ2=3.038,P=0.081)。NMOSD组[16例/36例(44.44%)]及MS组[6例/18例(33.33%)]患者的疼痛部位均以躯干部位最常见。Logistic逐步回归分析显示NMOSD患者的疼痛程度与患者的性别、年龄、病程、发作次数、NMO-IgG及EDSS评分无相关性。结论疼痛在NMOSD患者中十分常见,其疼痛应受到重视,并应积极对症治疗。     

MRI findings in pediatric neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with MOG antibody: Four cases and review of the literature

Background

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG Abs) are frequently detected in pediatric acquired demyelinating syndrome (ADS), and MOG-Ab-positive ADS differs from multiple sclerosis (MS) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-Ab-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in terms of age distribution, therapeutic response, and prognosis.

利妥昔单抗治疗5例难治性视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病长期疗效观察

目的观察利妥昔单抗治疗难治性视神经脊髓炎谱系疾病(neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,NMOSD)的长期临床疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析作者医院神经内科应用利妥昔单抗治疗的5例难治性NMOSD患者(经糖皮质激素或丙种球蛋白治疗无效)的用药经过和临床情况,比较治疗前后年复发率(ARR)和扩展残疾状态量表评分(EDSS)的差异,评价利妥昔单抗的疗效和副作用。结果应用利妥昔单抗治疗前,5例患者的EDSS和ARR中位数(四分位数)分别为8.5(1.25)分和1(2.12)次;经利妥昔单抗治疗后,随访期间(随访时间中位数为52个月)5例患者的EDSS和ARR中位数(四分位间距)分别为2.5(5.75)分和0(0.35)次,治疗前后患者的EDSS和ARR差异有统计学意义。治疗期间仅1例患者出现轻微不良反应,无严重不良反应发生。结论利妥昔单抗可改善难治性NMOSD患者的长期临床症状,可能是一种治疗难治性NMOSD的有效药物。