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Preziosa P, Amato MP, Battistini L, Capobianco M, Centonze D, Cocco E, Conte A, Gasperini C, Gastaldi M, Tortorella C, Filippi M. Moving towards a new era for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12426-w. [PMID: 38771385 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12426-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) include a rare group of autoimmune conditions that primarily affect the central nervous system. They are characterized by inflammation and damage to the optic nerves, brain and spinal cord, leading to severe vision impairment, locomotor disability and sphynteric disturbances. In the majority of cases, NMOSD arises due to specific serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies targeting aquaporin 4 (AQP4-IgG), which is the most prevalent water-channel protein of the central nervous system. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent long-term disability in NMOSD patients. NMOSD were previously associated with a poor prognosis. However, recently, a number of randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that biological therapies acting on key elements of NMOSD pathogenesis, such as B cells, interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway, and complement, have impressive efficacy in preventing the occurrence of clinical relapses. The approval of the initial drugs marks a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of NMOSD patients, significantly transforming therapeutic options and positively impacting their prognosis. In this review, we will provide an updated overview of the key immunopathological, clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging aspects of NMOSD. Additionally, we will critically examine the latest advancements in NMOSD treatment approaches. Lastly, we will discuss key aspects regarding optimization of treatment strategies and their monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Preziosa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department Neurofarba, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Battistini
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Diego Centonze
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Conte
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- MS Center, Department of Neuroscience, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Gastaldi
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carla Tortorella
- MS Center, Department of Neuroscience, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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Cao S, Zhu Y, Wu X, Du J, Xu S, Cui P, Li Q, Xia M, Xue Q, Tian Y. Asymptomatic spinal lesions in patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD: A real-world cohort study. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:905-915. [PMID: 38311755 PMCID: PMC11021673 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the frequency and influencing factors of asymptomatic spinal lesions (ASLs) and their impact on subsequent relapses in patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD (AQP4-NMOSD) in a real-world setting. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed clinical information and spinal MRI data from AQP4-NMOSD patients who had at least one spinal cord MRI during their follow-ups. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to ascertain potential predictors of remission ASLs and to investigate factors associated with subsequent relapses. RESULTS In this study, we included 129 patients with AQP4-NMOSD and reviewed 173 spinal MRIs during attacks and 89 spinal MRIs during remission. Among these, 6 ASLs (3.5%) were identified during acute attacks, while 8 ASLs (9%) were found during remission. Remission ASLs were linked to the use of immunosuppressive agents, particularly conventional ones, whereas no patients using rituximab developed ASLs (p = 0.005). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicated that patients with ASLs had a significantly higher relapse risk (HR = 4.658, 95% CI: 1.519-14.285, p = 0.007) compared to those without. Additionally, the use of mycophenolate mofetil (HR = 0.027, 95% CI: 0.003-0.260, p = 0.002) and rituximab (HR = 0.035, 95% CI: 0.006-0.203, p < 0.001) significantly reduced the relapse risk. However, after accounting for other factors, the presence of ASLs did not exhibit a significant impact on subsequent relapses (HR = 2.297, 95% CI: 0.652-8.085, p = 0.195). INTERPRETATION ASLs may be observed in patients with AQP4-NMOSD. The presence of ASLs may signify an underlying inflammatory activity due to insufficient immunotherapy. The administration of immunosuppressive agents plays a key role in the presence of remission ASLs and the likelihood of subsequent relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Cao
- Department of NeurologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei230601China
- Department of NeurologyThe Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical UniversityHefei230011China
| | - Yunfei Zhu
- Department of NeurologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
| | - Xiaosan Wu
- Department of NeurologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei230601China
| | - Jing Du
- Department of NeurologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei230601China
| | - Si Xu
- Department of NeurologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei230601China
| | - Ping Cui
- Department of RadiologyThe Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical UniversityHefei230011China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of NeurologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei230601China
| | - Mingwu Xia
- Department of NeurologyThe Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical UniversityHefei230011China
| | - Qun Xue
- Department of NeurologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
| | - Yanghua Tian
- Department of NeurologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei230601China
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Cacciaguerra L, Flanagan EP. Updates in NMOSD and MOGAD Diagnosis and Treatment: A Tale of Two Central Nervous System Autoimmune Inflammatory Disorders. Neurol Clin 2024; 42:77-114. [PMID: 37980124 PMCID: PMC10658081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin-4-IgG positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4+NMOSD) and myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) are antibody-associated diseases targeting astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, respectively. Their recognition as distinct entities has led to each having its own diagnostic criteria that require a combination of clinical, serologic, and MRI features. The therapeutic approach to acute attacks in AQP4+NMOSD and MOGAD is similar. There is now class 1 evidence to support attack-prevention medications for AQP4+NMOSD. MOGAD lacks proven treatments although clinical trials are now underway. In this review, we will outline similarities and differences between AQP4+NMOSD and MOGAD in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cacciaguerra
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Eoin P Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Poisson K, Moeller K, Fisher KS. Pediatric Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2023; 46:101051. [PMID: 37451749 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2023.101051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a demyelinating disease with a high relapse rate and risk of disability accrual. The condition is an astrocytopathy, with antibodies to the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channel being detected in AQP4-IgG seropositive disease. Presentation is uncommon in the pediatric age range, accounting for about 3%-5% of cases. NMOSD is more prevalent in populations of Black or East Asian ancestry. Core clinical syndromes include optic neuritis, acute myelitis, area postrema syndrome, acute brainstem syndrome, acute diencephalic syndrome, and symptomatic cerebral syndrome. First-line treatment options in pediatrics include rituximab, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil. Over half of children with AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD develop permanent disability, particularly in visual and motor domains. Novel therapeutic targets in the adult population have been developed and are changing the treatment landscape for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Poisson
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
| | - Karen Moeller
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Kristen S Fisher
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
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