Transient MOG antibody seroconversion associated with immunomodulating therapy

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Optic Neuritis-A Review

ABSTRACT

Our understanding of demyelinating optic neuritis has substantially evolved over the past 2 decades. With advancements in serological testing, antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) have been recently discovered in a distinct subset of demyelinating neuroinflammatory disease. Although MOG-immunoglobulin G (IgG)-associated disorder (MOGAD) has previously been seen as a component of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), evidence increasingly suggests that it should be distinguished as a separate condition. The distinction of MOGAD from aquaporin-4 IgG NMOSD is imperative as treatment plans need to be tailored to its unique disease course and prognosis. The purpose of this review is to explore the nature and outcomes of MOGAD optic neuritis to help guide acute and long-term immunosuppressive treatment decisions.

Case Report: Anti-MOG Antibody Seroconversion Accompanied by Dimethyl Fumarate Treatment

Here we report three cases of anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody–associated disease (MOGAD) mimicking multiple sclerosis in which seropositivity for anti-MOG antibodies occurred during disease-modifying drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF) treatment. These patients developed relapses with anti-MOG antibody seroconversion after switching from fingolimod or steroid pulse therapy to DMF, which was associated with peripheral lymphocyte recovery. MOGAD is considered a humoral immune disease, and DMF reportedly enhances Th2-skewed humoral immune activity. Therefore, we suggest that DMF, but not fingolimod, may exacerbate humoral immune imbalance and enhance autoantibody production, leading to aggravation of MOGAD.

Ophthalmic manifestations of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder other than optic neuritis: a systematic review

Background/Aims

Optic neuritis (ON) is the primary ophthalmic manifestation of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder (MOGAD), but numerous reports have expanded the visual manifestations of this condition. The goal of this study was to synthesise the extensive literature on this topic to help ophthalmologists understand when testing for MOG-IgG should be considered.

Method

A systematic review of the English-language literature was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and searches were conducted using Ovid MEDLINE (from January 1, 1948 to April 1, 2020) and Ovid EMBASE (from January 1, 1947 to April 1, 2020). Inclusion criteria included studies describing non-isolated ON ophthalmic manifestations where cell-based assays were used for the detection of MOG antibodies.

Results

Fifty-one articles representing 62 patients with a median age of 32.0 (range 2–65), female gender (51%) and follow-up of 20.0 months (range: 1–240) were included. Twenty-nine patients had non-isolated ON afferent visual manifestations: uveitis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, acute macular neuroretinopathy, neuroretinitis, venous stasis retinopathy, large preretinal macular haemorrhage, orbital inflammatory syndrome, orbital apex syndrome, optic perineuritis, papilloedema and homonymous visual field defects. Incomplete recovery of ON was associated with a case of Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. Efferent ophthalmic manifestations included cranial neuropathies, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, central nystagmus, saccadic intrusions and ocular flutter. Cranial nerve involvement was secondary to enhancement of the cisternal portion or brainstem involvement. All included cases were treated with corticosteroids with 31% of cases requiring additional immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusions

MOGAD has been associated with various afferent and efferent ophthalmic manifestations apart from isolated ON. Awareness of these findings may result in earlier diagnosis and treatment.