Factors associated with disease relapse rate in the Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Abstract

Background and objectives

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a group of demyelinating diseases of the nervous system with high relapse rate and high disability rate without treatment, and we aimed to explore the influencing factors related to the recurrence of NMOSD and provide basis for clinical treatment in this study.

Methods

Referring to the diagnostic criteria for NMOSD issued in 2015, 259 patients were enrolled. Clinical information, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum analysis results, brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, treatment details, and prognosis were all recorded.

Results

176 (68.00%) participants were found to be AQP4 Ab-positive in serum or CSF, and the relapse rate was 36.67% (95/259). These 259 individuals were separated into two groups: non-release (n = 164) and relapse (n = 95). In terms of EDSS scores at onset, EDSS score after treatment, lesion location, serum creatinine (Cr) and treatment strategy, there were statistical differences between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed five predictors for recurrence of NMOSD patients within two years: EDSS scores at onset, transverse myelitis, brain/brainstem, Cr, and Rituximab/immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

It is essential to explore the risk factors related to recurrence and prevent them to reduce the risk of disability and improve the prognosis, and the recurrence rate of NMOSD may be affected by several factors.

Keywords:

• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
• relapse
• AQP4
• expanded disability status scale
• immunosuppressants

Authors’ contributions

XdY and WjJ conceived this study. HyL organized the data and drafted the manuscript. CsC and HmY assisted in the data collection. All the authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this manuscript.

Data availability statement

The original contributions generated for the study are included in the manuscript. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.