Aquaporin-4 and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Autoantibody Status Predict Outcome of Recurrent Optic Neuritis

Biomarkers in patients with autoimmune optic neuritis not associated with multiple sclerosis: Demographic, clinical and prognostic features

BACKGROUND

The new optic neuritis (ON) classification leads to a change in how ON patients are grouped. Our aim is to appraise the clinical features and prognoses of patients with autoimmune ON not associated with MS.

METHODS

Patients referred to our neuro-ophthalmology laboratory were enrolled to this retrospective study. Patients with ON associated with MS were excluded. The remaining patients were divided into three groups: aqauaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody ON group, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody ON group, and seronegative ON group. The patients were examined on admission, one month after acute treatment, and at the third-year follow-up. We compared demographic, clinical, radiologic, laboratory data, and treatment responses among these three groups.

RESULTS

The study included 92 patients. The older age of onset, bilateral simultaneous involvement of the optic nerves, severe vision loss at onset, and need for aggressive treatment were more common in the AQP-ON and the MOG-ON groups than the seronegative ON group (P = 0.01, P = 0.003, P = 0.011, P = 0.007, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The presence of optic disc edema was a significant feature of MOG-ON as well as long-length contrast enhancement on MRI (P = 0.003, P = 0.002). Additional autoimmune antibodies and CNS lesions outside the optic nerve were the features of AQP4-ON patients (P < 0.001, P = 0.015). Generalized estimating equations analysis revealed that the presence of AQP4 antibody, increased age and recurrence were associated with visual acuity over time (P = 0.014, P = 0.002, P = 0.016, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The association of serum biomarker status with demographic, clinical features, and visual outcomes indicate the importance of biomarker detection in these patients.

Distinct virtual histology of grey matter atrophy in four neuroinflammatory diseases

Grey matter (GM) atrophies are observed in multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders [NMOSD; both anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive (AQP4+) and -negative (AQP4-) subtypes] and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Revealing the pathogenesis of brain atrophy in these disorders would help their differential diagnosis and guide therapeutic strategies. To determine the neurobiological underpinnings of GM atrophies in multiple sclerosis, AQP4+ NMOSD, AQP4- NMOSD and MOGAD, we conducted a virtual histology analysis that links T1-weighted image derived GM atrophy and gene expression using a multicentre cohort of 324 patients with multiple sclerosis, 197 patients with AQP4+ NMOSD, 75 patients with AQP4- NMOSD, 47 patients with MOGAD and 2169 healthy control subjects. First, interregional GM atrophy profiles across the cortical and subcortical regions were determined using Cohen's d between patients with multiple sclerosis, AQP4+ NMOSD, AQP4- NMOSD or MOGAD and healthy controls. The GM atrophy profiles were then spatially correlated with the gene expression levels extracted from the Allen Human Brain Atlas, respectively. Finally, we explored the virtual histology of clinical-feature relevant GM atrophy using a subgroup analysis that stratified by physical disability, disease duration, number of relapses, lesion burden and cognitive function. Multiple sclerosis showed a severe widespread GM atrophy pattern, mainly involving subcortical nuclei and brainstem. AQP4+ NMOSD showed an obvious widespread pattern of GM atrophy, predominately located in occipital cortex as well as cerebellum. AQP4- NMOSD showed a mild widespread GM atrophy pattern, mainly located in frontal and parietal cortices. MOGAD showed GM atrophy mainly involving the frontal and temporal cortices. High expression of genes specific to microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and endothelial cells in multiple sclerosis, S1 pyramidal cells in AQP4+ NMOSD, as well as S1 and CA1 pyramidal cells in MOGAD, had spatial correlations with GM atrophy profile, while no atrophy profile-related gene expression was found in AQP4- NMOSD. Virtual histology of clinical feature-relevant GM atrophy pointed mainly to the shared neuronal and endothelial cells, among the four neuroinflammatory diseases. The unique underlying virtual histology patterns were microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes for multiple sclerosis; astrocytes for AQP4+ NMOSD; and oligodendrocytes for MOGAD. Neuronal and endothelial cells were shared potential targets across these neuroinflammatory diseases. These findings may help the differential diagnoses of these diseases and promote the use of optimal therapeutic strategies.

Diagnostic Utility of MOG Antibody Testing in Cerebrospinal Fluid

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-IgG) testing.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients for CSF MOG-IgG testing from January 1, 1996, to May 1, 2023, at Mayo Clinic and other medical centers that sent CSF MOG-IgG for testing including: controls, 282; serum MOG-IgG positive MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), 74; serum MOG-IgG negative high-risk phenotypes, 73; serum false positive MOG-IgG with alternative diagnoses, 18. A live cell-based assay assessed CSF MOG-IgG positivity (IgG-binding-index [IBI], ≥2.5) using multiple anti-human secondary antibodies and end-titers were calculated if sufficient sample volume. Correlation of CSF MOG-IgG IBI and titer was assessed.

RESULTS

The pan-IgG Fc-specific secondary was optimal, yielding CSF MOG-IgG sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 98% (Youden's index 0.88). CSF MOG-IgG was positive in: 4/282 (1.4%) controls; 66/74 (89%) serum MOG-IgG positive MOGAD patients; and 9/73 (12%) serum MOG-IgG negative patients with high-risk phenotypes. Serum negative but CSF positive MOG-IgG accounted for 9/83 (11%) MOGAD patients, and all fulfilled 2023 MOGAD diagnostic criteria. Subgroup analysis of serum MOG-IgG low-positives revealed CSF MOG-IgG positivity more in MOGAD (13/16[81%]) than other diseases with false positive serum MOG-IgG (3/15[20%]) (p = 0.01). CSF MOG-IgG IBI and CSF MOG-IgG titer (both available in 29 samples) were correlated (Spearman's r = 0.64, p < 0.001).

INTERPRETATION

CSF MOG-IgG testing has diagnostic utility in patients with a suspicious phenotype but negative serum MOG-IgG, and those with low positive serum MOG-IgG results and diagnostic uncertainty. These findings support a role for CSF MOG-IgG testing in the appropriate clinical setting. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:34-45.

Emergent Management of Central Nervous System Demyelinating Disorders

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the various conditions that can present with acute and severe central nervous system demyelination, the broad differential diagnosis of these conditions, the most appropriate diagnostic workup, and the acute treatment regimens to be administered to help achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

The discovery of anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibodies and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies in the past two decades has revolutionized our understanding of acute demyelinating disorders, their evaluation, and their management.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Demyelinating disorders comprise a large category of neurologic disorders seen by practicing neurologists. In the majority of cases, patients with these conditions do not require care in an intensive care unit. However, certain disorders may cause severe demyelination that necessitates intensive care unit admission because of numerous simultaneous multifocal lesions, tumefactive lesions, or lesions in certain brain locations that lead to acute severe neurologic dysfunction. Intensive care may be necessary for the management and prevention of complications for patients who have severely altered mental status, rapidly progressive neurologic worsening, elevated intracranial pressure, severe cerebral edema, status epilepticus, or respiratory failure.

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-Antibody Associated Disease: An Updated Review of the Clinical Spectrum, Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Management

Clinical syndromes associated with antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) are now recognized as a distinct neurological disease entity, and are gaining increasing attention. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying MOG-antibody disease (MOGAD) remain incompletely understood. Case series, facilitated by registries, and observational studies over the past few years have shed increasing light on the clinical aspects and therapeutic approaches of MOGAD. MOGAD may manifest with a variety of clinical syndromes, including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), autoimmune encephalitis, optic neuritis (ON) and transverse myelitis (TM). MOGAD can be either monophasic or relapsing. This review aims to provide a comprehensive updated description of the clinical spectrum, paraclinical features, and prognosis of MOG-antibody disease, as well as summarize its therapeutic considerations. Randomized clinical trials, standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines are the steps forward.

Acute Optic Neuropathy in Older Adults: Differentiating Between MOGAD Optic Neuritis and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease optic neuritis (MOGAD-ON) and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) can cause acute optic neuropathy in older adults but have different managements. We aimed to determine differentiating factors between MOGAD-ON and NAION and the frequency of serum MOG-IgG false positivity among patients with NAION.

METHODS

In this international, multicenter, case-control study at tertiary neuro-ophthalmology centers, patients with MOGAD presenting with unilateral optic neuritis as their first attack at age 45 years or older and age-matched and sex-matched patients with NAION were included. Comorbidities, clinical presentations, acute optic disc findings, optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings, and outcomes were compared between MOGAD-ON and NAION. Multivariate analysis was performed to find statistically significant predictors of MOGAD-ON. A separate review of consecutive NAION patients seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from 2018 to 2022, was conducted to estimate the frequency of false-positive MOG-IgG in this population.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients with unilateral MOGAD-ON were compared with 64 patients with NAION. Among patients with MOGAD-ON, the median age at onset was 56 (interquartile range [IQR] 50-61) years, 70% were female, and 78% were White. Multivariate analysis showed that eye pain was strongly associated with MOGAD-ON (OR 32.905; 95% CI 2.299-473.181), while crowded optic disc (OR 0.033; 95% CI 0.002-0.492) and altitudinal visual field defect (OR 0.028; 95% CI 0.002-0.521) were strongly associated with NAION. On OCT, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness in unilateral MOGAD-ON was lower than in NAION (median 114 vs 201 μm, p < 0.001; median pRNFL thickening 25 vs 102 μm, p < 0.001). MOGAD-ON had more severe vision loss at nadir (median logMAR 1.0 vs 0.3, p < 0.001), but better recovery (median logMAR 0.1 vs 0.3, p = 0.002). In the cohort of consecutive NAION patients, 66/212 (31%) patients with NAION were tested for MOG-IgG and 8% (95% CI 1%-14%) of those had false-positive serum MOG-IgG at low titers.

DISCUSSION

Acute unilateral optic neuropathy with optic disc edema in older adults can be caused by either MOGAD-ON or NAION. Detailed history, the degree of pRNFL swelling on OCT, and visual outcomes can help differentiate the entities and prevent indiscriminate serum MOG-IgG testing in all patients with acute optic neuropathy.

Clinical profile and challenges faced in the management of optic neuritis: the Indian scenario

PURPOSE

Optic neuritis (ON) is a relatively common ophthalmic disease that has recently received renewed attention owing to immunological breakthroughs. We studied the profile of patients with ON with special reference to antibody-mediated ON and the challenges faced in its management.

METHODS

Case records of patients with ON presenting to a tertiary eye-care center in South India were analyzed. Data on demographics, presenting visual acuity (VA), clinical features, seropositivity for aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG), details of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of orbits and brain, and treatment were collected.

RESULTS

Among 138 cases with acute ON, male: female ratio was 1:2. Isolated ON was present in 41.3% of cases. Antibody testing of sera was performed in 68 patients only due to financial limitations. Among these, 48.5% were MOG-IgG-seropositive, 11.76% were AQP4-IgG-seropositive, and 30.88% samples were double seronegative. Other causes included multiple sclerosis (n = 4), lactational ON (n = 4), tuberculosis (n = 2), invasive perineuritis (n = 2), COVID-19 vaccination (n = 2), and COVID-19 (n = 1). The mean presenting best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.31 ± 1.16 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution). The mean BCVA at 3 months was 0.167 ± 0.46 logMAR. Only initial VA ≤ 'Counting fingers' (CF) had a significant association with the visual outcome for final VA worse than CF. The steep cost of investigations and treatment posed challenges for many patients in the management of ON.

CONCLUSION

MOG-IgG-associated ON is common in India. Unfortunately, financial constraints delay the diagnosis and timely management of ON, adversely affecting the outcome.

A Comparative Review of Typical and Atypical Optic Neuritis: Advancements in Treatments, Diagnostics, and Prognosis

Optic neuritis (ON) is a debilitating condition that through various mechanisms, including inflammation or demyelination of the optic nerve, can result in partial or total permanent vision loss if left untreated. Accurate diagnosis and promptly initiated treatment are imperative related to the potential of permanent loss of vision if left untreated, which can lead to a significant reduction in the quality of life in affected patients. ON is subtyped as "typical" or "atypical" based on underlying causative etiology. The etiology of ON can be differentiated when appropriate diagnostic testing is performed. Using history taking, neuroimaging, and visual testing to localize the underlying pathology of ON in a time-sensitive manner is critical in mitigating these unsatisfactory outcomes. Herein, we examine the differences in presentation, pathophysiology, and treatments of typical ON causes, like multiple sclerosis (MS), and atypical causes such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) ON. The present investigation places focus on both neuroimaging and visual imaging in the differentiation of ON. Additionally, this review presents physicians with a better understanding of different presentations, treatments, and prognoses of ON.

Global trends in research on MOG antibody-associated disease: bibliometrics and visualization analysis

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current research status, focus areas, and developmental trends in the field of Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) through an analysis of scientific literature.

Methods

The relevant research articles on MOGAD published from 1947 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science database. The quantitative output of MOGAD related research articles, their distribution by country/region, data on collaborative publishing, influential authors, high-yield institutions, keywords, hotspots, and development trends were analyzed. Additionally, visual knowledge maps were generated using VOSviewer and Citespace.

Results

There has been a steady increase in the number of MOGAD related publications indicating that the subject has garnered increasing interest among researchers globally. The United States has been the leading contributor with 496 papers (19.25%), followed by China (244, 9.63%), Japan (183, 7.10%), the United Kingdom (154, 5.98%), and Germany (149, 5.78%). Among these countries, the United Kingdom boasts the highest citation frequency at the rate of 46.49 times per paper. Furthermore, active collaboration in MOGAD related research is observed primarily between the United States and countries such as Canada, Germany, Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan. Mayo Clinic ranks first in total articles published (109) and frequency of citations per article (77.79). Takahashi Toshiyuki from Tohoku University is the most prolific author, while Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders is the most widely read journal in this field. "Disease Phenotype", "Treatment", "Novel Coronavirus Infection and Vaccination", "Immunopathological Mechanisms", "Clinical characteristics of children" and "Prognosis" are the primary keywords clusters in this field. "Novel Coronavirus Infection and Vaccination" and "Immunopathological Mechanisms" are research hotspots and have great development potential.

Conclusion

The past three decades have witnessed a significant expansion of research on MOGAD. The pathogenetic mechanism of MOGAD is poised to be the prominent research focus in this field in the foreseeable future.

Updates in NMOSD and MOGAD Diagnosis and Treatment: A Tale of Two Central Nervous System Autoimmune Inflammatory Disorders

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.

Monoclonal antibody therapies for aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease

Monoclonal antibody therapies mark the new era of targeted treatment for relapse prevention in aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-immunoglobulin G (IgG)-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG+NMOSD). For over a decade, rituximab, an anti-CD20 B-cell-depleting agent, had been the most effectiveness treatment for AQP4-IgG+NMOSD. Tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 receptor, was also observed to be effective. In 2019, several randomized, placebo-controlled trials were completed that demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of eculizumab (anti-C5 complement inhibitor), inebilizumab (anti-CD19 B-cell-depleting agent), and satralizumab (anti-interleukin-6 receptor), leading to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of specific treatments for AQP4-IgG+NMOSD for the first time. Most recently, ravulizumab (anti-C5 complement inhibitor) was also shown to be highly efficacious in an open-label, external-controlled trial. Although only some patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) warrant immunotherapy, there is currently no FDA-approved treatment for relapse prevention in MOGAD. Observational studies showed that tocilizumab was associated with a decrease in relapses, whereas rituximab seemed to have less robust effectiveness in MOGAD compared to AQP4-IgG+NMOSD. Herein, we review the evidence on the efficacy and safety of each monoclonal antibody therapy used in AQP4-IgG+NMOSD and MOGAD, including special considerations in children and women of childbearing potential.

Delimiting MOGAD as a disease entity using translational imaging

The first formal consensus diagnostic criteria for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) were recently proposed. Yet, the distinction of MOGAD-defining characteristics from characteristics of its important differential diagnoses such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and aquaporin-4 antibody seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is still obstructed. In preclinical research, MOG antibody-based animal models were used for decades to derive knowledge about MS. In clinical research, people with MOGAD have been combined into cohorts with other diagnoses. Thus, it remains unclear to which extent the generated knowledge is specifically applicable to MOGAD. Translational research can contribute to identifying MOGAD characteristic features by establishing imaging methods and outcome parameters on proven pathophysiological grounds. This article reviews suitable animal models for translational MOGAD research and the current state and prospect of translational imaging in MOGAD.

Susceptibility-based imaging aids accurate distinction of pediatric-onset MS from myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease

BACKGROUND

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) share clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features but differ in prognosis and management. Early POMS diagnosis is essential to avoid disability accumulation. Central vein sign (CVS), paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs), and central core lesions (CCLs) are susceptibility-based imaging (SbI)-related signs understudied in pediatric populations that may help discerning POMS from MOGAD.

METHODS

T2-FLAIR and SbI (three-dimensional echoplanar imaging (3D-EPI)/susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) or similar) were acquired on 1.5T/3T scanners. Two readers assessed CVS-positive rate (%CVS+), and their average score was used to build a receiver operator curve (ROC) assessing the ability to discriminate disease type. PRLs and CCLs were identified using a consensual approach.

RESULTS

The %CVS+ distinguished 26 POMS cases (mean age 13.7 years, 63% females, median EDSS 1.5) from 14 MOGAD cases (10.8 years, 35% females, EDSS 1.0) with ROC = 1, p < 0.0001, (cutoff 41%). PRLs were only detectable in POMS participants (mean 2.1±2.3, range 1-10), discriminating the two conditions with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 100%. CCLs were more sensitive (81%) but less specific (71.43%).

CONCLUSION

The %CVS+ and PRLs are highly specific markers of POMS. After proper validation on larger multicenter cohorts, consideration should be given to including such imaging markers for diagnosing POMS at disease onset.

An update on optic neuritis

Optic neuritis (ON) is the most common cause of subacute optic neuropathy in young adults. Although most cases of optic neuritis (ON) are classified as typical, meaning idiopathic or associated with multiple sclerosis, there is a growing understanding of atypical forms of optic neuritis such as antibody mediated aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and the recently described entity, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Differentiating typical ON from atypical ON is important because they have different prognoses and treatments. Findings of atypical ON, including severe vision loss with poor recovery with steroids or steroid dependence, prominent optic disc edema, bilateral vision loss, and childhood or late adult onset, should prompt serologic testing for AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG. Although the traditional division of typical and atypical ON can be helpful, it should be noted that there can be severe presentations of otherwise typical ON and mild presentations of atypical ON that blur these traditional lines. Rare causes of autoimmune optic neuropathies, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and collapsin response-mediator protein 5 (CRMP5) autoimmunity also should be considered in patients with bilateral painless optic neuropathy associated with optic disc edema, especially if there are other accompanying suggestive neurologic symptoms/signs. Typical ON usually recovers well without treatment, though recovery may be expedited by steroids. Atypical ON is usually treated with intravenous steroids, and some forms, such as NMOSD, often require plasma exchange for acute attacks and long-term immunosuppressive therapy to prevent relapses. Since treatment is tailored to the cause of the ON, elucidating the etiology of the ON is of the utmost importance.

Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment of Patients with Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) Autoantibody-Associated Disorders Focusing on Optic Neuritis with Consideration of Autoantibody-Binding Sites: A Review

Although there is a substantial amount of data on the clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and pathogenesis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) autoantibody-associated disease (MOGAD), there is still uncertainty regarding the MOG protein function and the pathogenicity of anti-MOG autoantibodies in this disease. It is important to note that the disease characteristics, immunopathology, and treatment response of MOGAD patients differ from those of anti-aquaporin 4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The clinical phenotypes of MOGAD are varied and can include acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, transverse myelitis, cerebral cortical encephalitis, brainstem or cerebellar symptoms, and optic neuritis. The frequency of optic neuritis suggests that the optic nerve is the most vulnerable lesion in MOGAD. During the acute stage, the optic nerve shows significant swelling with severe visual symptoms, and an MRI of the optic nerve and brain lesion tends to show an edematous appearance. These features can be alleviated with early extensive immune therapy, which may suggest that the initial attack of anti-MOG autoantibodies could target the structures on the blood-brain barrier or vessel membrane before reaching MOG protein on myelin or oligodendrocytes. To understand the pathogenesis of MOGAD, proper animal models are crucial. However, anti-MOG autoantibodies isolated from patients with MOGAD do not recognize mouse MOG efficiently. Several studies have identified two MOG epitopes that exhibit strong affinity with human anti-MOG autoantibodies, particularly those isolated from patients with the optic neuritis phenotype. Nonetheless, the relations between epitopes on MOG protein remain unclear and need to be identified in the future.

Glial autoantibody prevalence in Chinese optic neuritis with onset after age 45: clinical factors for diagnosis

Purpose

As glial autoantibody testing is not yet available in some areas of the world, an alternative approach is to use clinical indicators to predict which subtypes of middle-aged and elderly-onset optic neuritis (ON) have manifested.

Method

This study was a single-center hospital-based retrospective cohort study. Middle-aged and elderly-onset ON patients (age > 45 years) who had experienced the first episode of ON were included in this cohort. Single- and multi-parametric diagnostic factors for middle-aged and elderly-onset myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin-associated ON (MOG-ON) and aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin-related ON (AQP4-ON) were calculated.

Results

From January 2016 to January 2020, there were 81 patients with middle-aged and elderly-onset ON, including 32 (39.5%) AQP4-ON cases, 19 (23.5%) MOG-ON cases, and 30 (37.0%) Seronegative-ON cases. Bilateral involvement (47.4%, P = 0.025) was most common in the MOG-ON group. The presence of other concomitant autoimmune antibodies (65.6%, P = 0.014) and prior neurological history (37.5%, P = 0.001) were more common in the AQP4-ON group. The MOG-ON group had the best follow-up best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (89.5% ≤ 1.0 LogMAR, P = 0.001). The most sensitive diagnostic factors for middle-aged and elderly-onset MOG-ON were 'follow-up VA ≤ 0.1 logMAR' (sensitivity 0.89), 'bilateral involvement or follow-up VA ≤ 0.1 logMAR' (sensitivity 0.95), 'bilateral involvement or without neurological history' (sensitivity 1.00), and 'follow-up VA ≤ 0.1 logMAR or without neurological history' (sensitivity 1.00), and the most specific factor was 'bilateral involvement' (specificity 0.81). The most sensitive diagnostic factors for middle-aged and elderly-onset AQP4-ON were 'unilateral involvement' (sensitivity 0.88), 'unilateral involvement or neurological history' (sensitivity 0.91), and 'unilateral involvement or other autoimmune antibodies' (sensitivity 1.00), and the most specific factor was neurological history (specificity 0.98).

Conclusion

Based on our cohort study of middle-aged and elderly-onset ON, MOG-ON is less prevalent than AQP4-ON and Seronegative-ON. Using multiple combined parameters improves the sensitivity and negative predictive value for diagnosing middle-aged and elderly-onset MOG-ON and AQP4-ON. These combined parameters can help physicians identify and treat middle-aged and elderly-onset ON early when glial autoantibody status is not available.

The Treatment of Acute Optic Neuritis

Despite the high incidence of optic neuritis (ON), and the growing number of therapeutic options for the long-term treatment of diseases associated with ON including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MOG antibody associated disease (MOGAD), there are still only limited therapeutic options for treating an acute event of optic neuritis. These include steroids, plasma exchange (PLEX) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). High-dose steroids remain the mainstay of acute treatment. However, evidence is emerging that when optic neuritis is accompanied with certain atypical features that suggest a more unfavorable outcome this mandates special consideration such as early addition of other therapeutic agents or tapering the steroid very slowly. This review will distinguish between typical and atypical neuritis and discuss acute treatment options.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of optic neuritis in Taiwan - a hospital-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory disease of optic nerve. The distinct etiologies of ON significantly influence its clinical manifestation, neuroimaging findings, and visual outcomes. However, the clinical characteristics might be influenced by the racial differences. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of various types of ON at a Taiwanese tertiary center.

METHODS

This cohort study analyzed 163 patients who received treatment and continued following-up for ON between 2015 and 2022. We selected patients who had been tested for anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab). The participants were classified into four groups on the basis of their etiologies, specifically (1) multiple sclerosis (MS)-related, (2) AQP4-Ab-positive, (3) MOG-Ab-positive, or (4) idiopathic ON. The researchers recorded the patients' clinical characteristics, treatment course, magnetic resonance imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings, and visual outcomes.

RESULTS

MOG-Ab-positive group had higher percentages of disk swelling and pain with eye movement. Long optic nerve and perineural enhancement are the hallmarks of MOG-Ab-related ON. The ON relapse rate was higher in AQP4-Ab-positive group. Although members of AQP4-Ab-positive group received immediate steroid pulse therapy, these patients experienced the worst visual outcomes. Moreover, a thinner retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was noted in AQP4-Ab-positive group. MS group had a higher incidence of extra-optic nerve lesions. Multivariate regression identified pretreatment visual acuity and RNFL thickness as the important factors affecting visual outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This cohort study identified the clinical features of different types of ON. Patients with AQP4-Ab-positive ON had poorer visual outcomes, which may be attributed to multiple relapses and profound nerve damage, as revealed by OCT findings. Patients with MOG-Ab-positive ON displayed long optic nerve enhancement but had more favorable prognoses. Thus, antibody-based classification facilitates treatment and prognosis in ON.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis associated with different types of demyelinating optic neuritis in patients

BACKGROUND

Demyelinating optic neuritis (DON) causes rapid vision loss in young and middle-aged people. The limited efficacy of treatment and the toxic side effects of drugs significantly affect the quality of life of patients with DON. Therefore, DON pathogenesis has always been a research hotspot in terms of prevention and treatment. Studies have suggested that gut microbiota imbalances may be involved in autoimmune disease development via the modulation of multiple inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory metabolites. Therefore, this study aims to explore gut microbiota differences between healthy controls (HCs) and patients with DON.

METHODS

A total of 54 patients with DON and 41 HCs were recruited. Fecal and blood samples were collected before and after intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (IVMP) treatment. The Shannon index, gut microbiota structure, and differential bacteria were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

The Shannon diversity index was decreased in patients with DON (p < 0.001) but was higher after IVMP treatment (p < 0.05). In patients with DON, Blautia, Escherichia-Shigella, and Ruminococcus showed higher abundances, whereas Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Parabacteroides, Romboutsia, and Alistipes showed lower abundances compared to that in the HCs. After IVMP treatment, the Shannon index of the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunoglobulin G (+) (MOG-IgG (+)) and both aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG (-) and MOG-IgG (-) groups increased (p < 0.05). Bacteroides was negatively correlated with interleukin (IL)-21, IL-17E, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels (p < 0.05, r = -0.54; p < 0.05, r= -0.50; p < 0.05, r =-0.55, respectively). Escherichia was positively correlated with macrophage inflammatory protein-3α (p < 0.05, r = 0.51). Alistipes was negatively correlated with soluble CD40 ligand (p < 0.05, r = -0.52).

CONCLUSION

The gut microbiota differed significantly between patients with DON and HCs; however, IVMP treatment may restore gut microbiota diversity and structure in patients with DON. Moreover, gut microbiota changes may play a role in DON pathogenesis.

MOG and AQP4 Antibodies among Children with Multiple Sclerosis and Controls

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG and aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG among patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) and healthy controls, to determine whether seropositive cases fulfilled their respective diagnostic criteria, to compare characteristics and outcomes in children with POMS versus MOG-IgG-associated disease (MOGAD), and identify clinical features associated with final diagnosis.

METHODS

Patients with POMS and healthy controls were enrolled at 14 US sites through a prospective case-control study on POMS risk factors. Serum AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG were assessed using live cell-based assays.

RESULTS

AQP4-IgG was negative among all 1,196 participants, 493 with POMS and 703 healthy controls. MOG-IgG was positive in 30 of 493 cases (6%) and zero controls. Twenty-five of 30 patients positive with MOG-IgG (83%) had MOGAD, whereas 5 of 30 (17%) maintained a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) on re-review of records. MOGAD cases were more commonly in female patients (21/25 [84%] vs 301/468 [64%]; p = 0.044), younger age (mean = 8.2 ± 4.2 vs 14.7 ± 2.6 years; p < 0.001), more commonly had initial optic nerve symptoms (16/25 [64%] vs 129/391 [33%]; p = 0.002), or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM; 8/25 [32%] vs 9/468 [2%]; p < 0.001), and less commonly had initial spinal cord symptoms (3/20 [15%] vs 194/381 [51%]; p = 0.002), serum Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positivity (11/25 [44%] vs 445/468 [95%]; p < 0.001), or cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands (5/25 [20%] vs 243/352 [69%]; p < 0.001).

INTERPRETATION

MOG-IgG and AQP4-IgG were not identified among healthy controls confirming their high specificity for pediatric central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease. Five percent of those with prior POMS diagnoses ultimately had MOGAD; and none had AQP4-IgG positivity. Clinical features associated with a final diagnosis of MOGAD in those with suspected MS included initial ADEM phenotype, younger age at disease onset, and lack of EBV exposure. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:271-284.

More Efficient Complement Activation by Anti–Aquaporin-4 Compared With Anti–Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibodies

Background and Objectives

The objective was to study complement-mediated cytotoxicity induced by immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti–aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-IgG) and anti–myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-IgG) in human serum samples from patients suffering from the rare demyelinating diseases of the CNS neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MOG-IgG–associated disease (MOGAD).

Methods

A cell-based assay with HEK293A cells expressing different MOG isoforms (MOGα1-3β1-3) or AQP4-M23 was used. Cells were incubated with human MOG-IgG or AQP4-IgG–positive serum samples together with active or heat-inactivated human complement, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) was measured with a lactate dehydrogenase assay. To further quantify antibody-mediated cell damage, formation of the terminal complement complex (TCC) was analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, immunocytochemistry of the TCC and complement component 3 (C3) was performed.

Results

AQP4-IgG–positive serum samples induced higher CDC and TCC levels than MOG-IgG–positive sera. Notably, both showed a correlation between antibody titers and CDC and also between titers and TCC levels. In addition, all 6 MOG isoforms tested (MOGα1-3β1-3) could induce at least some CDC; however, the strongest MOG-IgG–induced CDC levels were found on MOGα1, MOGα3, and MOGβ1. Different MOG-IgG binding patterns regarding recognition of different MOG isoforms were investigated, and it was found that MOG-IgG recognizing all 6 isoforms again induced highest CDC levels on MOGα1and MOGβ1. Furthermore, surface staining of TCC and C3 revealed positive staining on all 6 MOG isoforms tested, as well as on AQP4-M23.

Discussion

Both MOG-IgG and AQP4-IgG are able to induce CDC in a titer-dependent manner. However, AQP4-IgG showed markedly higher levels of CDC compared with MOG in vitro on target cells. This further highlights the role of complement in AQP4-IgG–mediated disease and diminishes the importance of complement activation in MOG-IgG–mediated autoimmune disease.

Optic neuritis and autoimmune optic neuropathies: advances in diagnosis and treatment

Optic neuritis is an inflammatory optic neuropathy that is commonly indicative of autoimmune neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Early clinical recognition of optic neuritis is important in determining the potential aetiology, which has bearing on prognosis and treatment. Regaining high-contrast visual acuity is common in people with idiopathic optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis-associated optic neuritis; however, residual deficits in contrast sensitivity, binocular vision, and motion perception might impair vision-specific quality-of-life metrics. In contrast, recovery of visual acuity can be poorer and optic nerve atrophy more severe in individuals who are seropositive for antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, AQP4, and CRMP5 than in individuals with typical optic neuritis from idiopathic or multiple-sclerosis associated optic neuritis. Key clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings differentiate these disorders, allowing clinicians to focus their diagnostic studies and optimise acute and preventive treatments. Guided by early and accurate diagnosis of optic neuritis subtypes, the timely use of high-dose corticosteroids and, in some instances, plasmapheresis could prevent loss of high-contrast vision, improve contrast sensitivity, and preserve colour vision and visual fields. Advancements in our knowledge, diagnosis, and treatment of optic neuritis will ultimately improve our understanding of autoimmune neurological disorders, improve clinical trial design, and spearhead therapeutic innovation.

Obesity is associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease in acute optic neuritis

Optic neuritis (ON) is a frequent presentation at onset of multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). The pathophysiology underlying these diseases, especially MOGAD, is still being elucidated. While obesity has been reported to potentially be a risk factor for MS, this has not been explored in NMOSD or MOGAD. We aimed to investigate a possible association between obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m²) in patients with MOGAD, aquaporin 4-IgG positive NMOSD (AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD) or MS. In this multicenter non-interventional retrospective study, data was collected from patients with a first ever demyelinating attack of ON subsequently diagnosed with MOGAD (n = 44), AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD (n = 49) or MS (n = 90) between 2005 and 2020. The following data was collected: age, sex, ethnicity, BMI (documented before corticosteroid treatment), and the ON etiology after diagnostic work-up. A mixed model analysis was performed to assess the potential of obesity or BMI to predict MOGAD-ON, and to distinguish MOGAD-ON from AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD-ON and MS-ON. Main outcome measures included BMI in patients with acute ON and subsequent diagnosis of MOGAD, AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD or MS. A higher BMI was significantly associated with a diagnosis of MOGAD-ON (p < 0.001); in MOGAD patients the mean BMI was 31.6 kg/m² (standard deviation (SD) 7.2), while the mean BMI was 24.7 kg/m² (SD 5.3) in AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD patients, and 26.9 kg/m² (SD 6.2) in MS patients. Mixed-effects multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for age and sex, with obesity as a binary variable, revealed that obesity was associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) of a subsequent MOGAD diagnosis (OR 5.466, 95% CI [2.039, 14.650], p = 0.001) in contradistinction with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD. This study suggests an association between obesity and MOGAD. Our findings require further exploration, but could have significant pathophysiologic implications if confirmed in larger prospective studies.

MOG antibody prevalence in adult optic neuritis and clinical predictive factors for diagnosis: A Chinese cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Because AQP4/MOG antibody testing is not available in some parts of the world and there are often delays in obtaining results, it is particularly important to use clinical factors to predict the subtypes of adult optic neuritis (ON).

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 249 adult patients presenting with the first ON attack during January 2016 to January 2020. These included 109 (43.8%) AQP4-ON cases, 49 (19.7%) MOG-ON cases, and 91 (36.5%) Seronegative-ON cases. The proportion of optic disk swelling (ODS) and bilateral involvement in MOG-ON group was significantly higher than in the other two subgroups (P = 0.029, 0.001). The MOG-ON group had the best follow-up BCVA (P = 0.003). To predict adult AQP4-ON, unilateral involvement (sensitivity 0.88, NPV 0.77) was the most sensitivity predictors, while neurological history (specificity 0.96, PPV 0.65) and concomitant other autoimmune antibodies (specificity 0.76, PPV 0.65) were the most specific predictors. Using the parallel test 'unilateral or other autoimmune antibodies' increased sensitivity to 0.95, with an optimal NPV of 0.88. To predict adult MOG-ON, the most sensitive clinical characteristics were ODS (sensitivity 0.79, NPV 0.88), and follow-up VA ≤0.1logMAR (sensitivity 0.78, NPV 0.92), whereas the most specific values were prior neurological history or bilateral involvement, with specificities of 0.92 and 0.82, respectively. The sensitivity increased to 0.94, 0.97, and 0.97 when using the parallel clinical factors of 'bilateral or ODS or relapse', 'bilateral or ODS or follow-up VA ≤0.1logMAR', and 'ODS or follow-up VA ≤0.1logMAR', and the corresponding NPV (0.94, 0.97 vs 0.98).

CONCLUSION

The proportion of MOG-ON (19.7%) was less than that of AQP4-ON and Seronegative-ON. Moreover, MOG-ON had a better prognosis and was more likely to be associated with ODS or bilateral involvement. The use of parallel clinical parameters improved the sensitivity for the diagnosis of adult MOG-ON and AQP4-ON.

Should Aquaporin-4 Antibody Test Be Performed in all Patients With Isolated Optic Neuritis?

BACKGROUND

Optic neuritis (ON) may be the initial manifestation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4 Ab) is used to diagnose NMOSD. This has implications on prognosis and is important for optimal management. We aim to evaluate if clinical features can distinguish AQP4 Ab seropositive and seronegative ON patients.

METHODS

We reviewed patients with first episode of isolated ON from Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Singapore National Eye Centre who tested for AQP4 Ab from 2008 to 2017. Demographic and clinical data were compared between seropositive and seronegative patients.

RESULTS

Among 106 patients (120 eyes) with first episode of isolated ON, 23 (26 eyes; 22%) were AQP4 Ab positive and 83 (94 eyes; 78%) were AQP4 Ab negative. At presentation, AQP4 Ab positive patients had older mean onset age (47.9 ± 13.6 vs 36.8 ± 12.6 years, P < 0.001), worse nadir VA (OR 1.714; 95% CI, 1.36 to 2.16; P < 0.001), less optic disc swelling (OR 5.04; 95% CI, 1.682 to 15.073; p = 0.004), and higher proportions of concomitant anti-Ro antibody (17% vs 4%, p = 0.038) and anti-La antibody (17% vs 1%, p = 0.008). More AQP4 Ab positive patients received steroid-sparing immunosuppressants (74% vs 19%, p < 0.001) and plasma exchange (13% vs 0%, p = 0.009). AQP4 Ab positive patients had worse mean logMAR VA (visual acuity) at 12 months (0.70 ± 0.3 vs 0.29 ± 0.5, p = 0.051) and 36 months (0.37±0.4 vs 0.14 ± 0.2, p = 0.048) follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Other than older onset age and retrobulbar optic neuritis, clinical features are non-discriminatory for NMOSD. We propose a low threshold for AQP4 Ab serology testing in inflammatory ON patients, particularly in high NMOSD prevalence populations, to minimize diagnostic and treatment delays.

Update on glial antibody-mediated optic neuritis

Optic neuritis (ON) refers to inflammatory demyelinating lesions of the optic nerve, which can cause acute or subacute vision loss and is a major cause of vision loss in young adults. Much of our understanding of typical ON is from the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial. Glial autoantibodies to aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin (AQP4-IgG) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin (MOG-IgG) are recently established biomarkers of ON that have revolutionized our understanding of atypical ON. The detection of glial antibodies is helpful in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with different types of ON. AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG screening is strongly recommended for patients with atypical ON. Research on the pathogenesis of NMOSD and MOGAD will promote the development and marketing of targeted immunotherapies. The application of new and efficient drugs, such as the selective complement C5 inhibitor, IL-6 receptor inhibitor, B cell-depleting agents, and drugs against other monoclonal antibodies, provides additional medical evidence. This review provides information on the diagnosis and management of glial antibody-mediated ON.

Vision Prognosis and Associated Factors of Optic Neuritis in Dependence of Glial Autoimmune Antibodies

PURPOSE

To assess the visual prognosis of optic neuritis (ON) in dependence of the glial autoimmune antibody status and associated factors.

DESIGN

Longitudinal observational cohort study.

METHODS

Patients with ON and measurements of serum concentrations of glial autoantibodies were consecutively and longitudinally examined with a minimal follow-up of 3 months. Patients with multiple sclerosis and double seronegative results were excluded.

RESULTS

The study included 529 patients (aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin [AQP4-IgG] seropositive, n = 291; myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin [MOG-IgG] seropositive, n = 112; double-seronegative, n = 126) with 1022 ON episodes (AQP4-IgG seropositive, n = 550; MOG-IgG seropositive, n=254; double-seronegative, n = 218). Prevalence of severe vision loss (best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] ≤20/200 at the end of follow-up) was higher (P < .001) in the AQP4-IgG group (236/550; 42.9%) than in the seronegative group (68/218; 31.2%) and in the MOG-IgG group (15/254; 5.9%). Prevalence of good vision recovery (BCVA≥20/40) was higher (P < .001) in the MOG-IgG group (229/254; 90.2%) than in the seronegative group (111/218; 50.9%) and in the AQP4-IgG group (236/550; 42.9%). In multivariable logistic analysis, higher prevalence of severe vision loss was associated with AQP4-IgG seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] 1.66; 95% CI 1.14, 2.43; P = .008), male sex (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.33, 2.93; P < .001), age at ON onset >45 years (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.35, 2.77; P < .001), nadir vision ≤20/200 (OR 14.11, 95% CI 6.54, 36.93; P < .001), and higher number of recurrences (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14, 1.61; P = .001). Higher prevalence of good vision outcome was associated with MOG-IgG seropositivity (OR 8.13, 95% CI 4.82, 14.2; P < .001), age at ON onset <18 years (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.18, 2.71; P = .006), nadir visual acuity ≥20/40 (OR 4.03; 95% CI 1.45, 14.37; P = .015), and lower number of recurrences (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.50, 0.72; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Severe vision loss (prevalence in the AQP4-IgG group, MOG-IgG group, and seronegative group: 42.9%, 5.9%, and 31.2%, respectively) was associated with AQP4-IgG seropositivity, male gender, older age at onset, worse nadir vision, and higher number of recurrences.

Increased Plasma Lipocalin-2 Levels in Patients with Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-IgG–Positive Optic Neuritis

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between plasma lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) seropositivity in patients with optic neuritis. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 19 patients with optic neuritis and 20 healthy controls. Plasma LCN2 and MOG-IgG levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a cell-based assay, respectively. The correlation between plasma LCN2 levels and MOG-IgG titers in patients with optic neuritis was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess and compare the ability of plasma LCN2 and MOG-IgG levels for predicting optic neuritis recurrence. Patients with MOG-IgG–positive optic neuritis had significantly higher mean plasma LCN2 levels than controls and patients with MOG-IgG–negative optic neuritis (p = 0.037). Plasma LCN2 and MOG-IgG levels were significantly correlated in patients with optic neuritis (r = 0.553, p = 0.0141). There were no significant differences in the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of plasma LCN2 (0.693, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.443–0.880, p = 0.133) and MOG-IgG (0.641, 95% CI, 0.400–0.840, p = 0.298) levels (95% CI, −0.266–0.448, p = 0.618). Plasma LCN2 levels may aid differentiation of MOG-IgG–positive optic neuritis from MOG-IgG–negative optic neuritis.

Development of a Prognostic Model for Predicting Multiple Sclerosis After Optic Neuritis: A Secondary Analysis of Data From the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial

BACKGROUND

Optic neuritis can be the initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to develop a prognostic model for predicting the risk of MS development among patients with optic neuritis.

METHODS

The data from 388 patients with optic neuritis were retrieved from the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to develop a prognostic model. The performance of the model was assessed by using Harrell's C-index and calibration curves. The rates of MS development were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Among the enrolled subjects, a total of 154 (39.7%) patients developed clinically definite MS during a median follow-up period of 15.8 years (interquartile range, 7.2-16.9 years). The factors associated with the development of MS were the presence of brain lesions as on baseline MRI, previous nonspecific neurologic symptoms, commencing low-dose corticosteroids treatment, ocular pain, and absence of optic disc/peripapillary hemorrhage. After incorporating these 5 factors into the prognostic model, a C-index of 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.76) and good calibration curves were obtained. The C-index of the model was significantly higher than the C-indexes of any single factor (P < 0.001 in all cases). The model was able to stratify the ONTT patient cohort into 3 risk groups with significantly different intergroup rates of developing MS (rates for developing MS within a 15-year period: high-risk group, 75.7% [95% CI, 65.6%-82.9%], intermediate-risk group, 44.7% [95% CI, 31.4%-55.4%]; and low-risk group, 20.8% [95% CI, 14.2%-26.8%]; log-rank P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This prognostic model had a better prediction ability when compared with the standard practice that relies solely on using brain lesions on MRI. It can, therefore, help guide decision-making to initiate earlier disease-modifying therapy for patients with optic neuritis at risk of developing MS.

OCT retinal nerve fiber layer thickness differentiates acute optic neuritis from MOG antibody-associated disease and Multiple Sclerosis: RNFL thickening in acute optic neuritis from MOGAD vs MS

BACKGROUND

Optic neuritis (ON) is the most common manifestation of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated disorder (MOGAD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Acute ON in MOGAD is thought to be associated with more severe optic disk edema than in other demyelinating diseases, but this has not been quantitatively confirmed. The goal of this study was to determine whether optical coherence tomography (OCT) can distinguish acute ON in MOGAD from MS, and establish the sensitivity of OCT as a confirmatory biomarker of ON in these entities.

METHODS

This was a multicenter cross-sectional study of MOGAD and MS patients with peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness measured with OCT within two weeks of acute ON symptom. Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. Dublin, CA, USA) was used to measure the pRNFL during acute ON. Eyes with prior ON or disk pallor were excluded. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the ability of pRNFL thickness to distinguish MOGAD from MS.

RESULTS

Sixty-four MOGAD and 50 MS patients met study inclusion criteria. Median age was 46.5 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 34.3-57.0) for the MOGAD group and 30.4 years (IQR: 25.7-38.4) for the MS group (p<0.001). Thirty-nine (61%) of MOGAD patients were female compared to 42 (84%) for MS (p = 0.007). The median pRNFL thickness was 164 µm (IQR: 116-212) in 96 acute MOGAD ON eyes compared to 103 µm (IQR: 93-113) in 51 acute MS ON eyes (p<0.001). The ROC area under the curve for pRNFL thickness was 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.74-0.88) to discriminate MOGAD from MS. The pRNFL cutoff that maximized Youden's index was 118 µm, which provided a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 82% for MOGAD. Among 31 MOGAD and 48 MS eyes with an unaffected contralateral eye or a prior baseline, the symptomatic eye had a median estimated pRNFL thickening of 45 µm (IQR: 17-105) and 7.5 µm (IQR: 1-18), respectively (p<0.001). All MOGAD affected eyes had a ≥ 5 µm pRNFL thickening, whereas 26 (54%) MS affected eyes had a ≥ 5 µm thickening.

CONCLUSION

OCT-derived pRNFL thickness in acute ON can help differentiate MOGAD from MS. This can aid with early diagnosis and guide disease-specific therapy in the acute setting before antibody testing returns, and help differentiate borderline cases. In addition, pRNFL thickening is a sensitive biomarker for confirming acute ON in MOGAD, which is clinically helpful and could be used for adjudication of attacks in future MOGAD clinical trials.

Clinical predictive factors for diagnosis of MOG-IgG and AQP4-IgG related paediatric optic neuritis: a Chinese cohort study

BACKGROUND

Different glial-autoantibodies-related paediatric optic neuritis (ON) are associated with different clinical characteristics and prognosis that require different treatments. Because glial autoantibody detection is not available in some parts of the world and there is often a delay in obtaining results, clinical factors that can be used to predict the subtype of paediatric ON are needed.

METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective cohort study. Children who presented with their first ON attack and with complete clinical data were included in the analysis. Single and multiple parameters for predicting paediatric myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobin-associated ON (MOG-ON) and aquaporin-4 immunoglobin-related ON (AQP4-ON) were calculated.

RESULTS

78 paediatric patients had their first ON attack from January 2016 to December 2019, of whom 69 were included in the final analysis, including 33 MOG-ON cases, 17 AQP4-ON cases and 19 Seronegative-ON cases. For predicting paediatric MOG-ON, the most sensitive predictors were 'male or optic disc swelling (ODS) or bilateral' (sensitivity 0.97 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.00)) and 'follow-up visual acuity (VA) ≤0.1 logMAR or ODS' (sensitivity 0.97 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.00)), and the most specific factor was 'Age ≤11 y and simultaneous CNS involvement' (specificity 0.97 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.00)). For predicting paediatric AQP4-ON, the most sensitive predictor was 'Female or without ODS' (sensitivity 1.00 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.00)), and the most specific factors were Neurological history (sensitivity 0.94 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.98)) and follow-up VA >1.0 logMAR (sensitivity 0.96 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.99)).

CONCLUSION

According to our data from a Chinese paediatric cohort, using multiple parameters increases the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing paediatric MOG-ON and AQP4-ON. These can assist clinicians in diagnosing and treating paediatric ON when glial autoantibody status is not available.

Structural and functional markers of optic nerve damage in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated optic neuritis

Background

Optic neuritis (ON) occurs in immune-mediated disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS), aquaporin-4 antibody-positive (AQP4) neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated demyelination (MOGAD). Accurate determination of aetiology is critical for appropriate treatment and prognostication.

Objective

To evaluate demyelination and axonal loss in MOG-ON to facilitate differentiation from MS-ON and AQP4-ON.

Methods

15 MOGAD patients with previous ON (25 eyes) underwent multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) recordings and optical coherence tomography scans. Comparison was made to previously reported MS patients (n = 67, 69 eyes) and AQP4-NMOSD patients (n = 15, 23 eyes) with prior ON and healthy controls (n = 37, 74 eyes).

Results

MOG-ON patients had less retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) loss than AQP4-ON patients (p < 0.05) and less mfVEP latency prolongation than MS-ON patients (p < 0.01). Number of ON episodes in MOGAD was associated with reduced RNFL thickness (global, p = 0.07; temporal, p < 0.001) and mfVEP amplitude (p < 0.001). There was no abnormality in non-ON eyes.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated a distinct pattern of damage in MOG-ON compared to AQP4-ON and MS-ON. ON in MOGAD produces less axonal loss than AQP4-NMOSD. Damage accumulates with relapses, supporting the role of maintenance immunosuppression to induce remission. Compared to MS, MOGAD causes less demyelination.

Pain Symptoms in Optic Neuritis

Signs and symptoms of optic neuritis (ON), an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), differ between patients. Pain, which is commonly reported by ON patients, may be the major reason for some patients to visit the clinic. This article reviews the presence of pain related to ON with respect to underlying disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease (MOGAD). The aim of this review is to provide an overview of pain symptoms in accordance with the context of various pathophysiological explanations, assist in differential diagnosis of ON patients, especially at the onset of disease, and make recommendations to aid physicians make decisions for follow up diagnostic examinations.

Clinical profile, imaging features and short term visual outcomes of Indian optic neuritis patients with and without seromarkers for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and neuromyelitis optica

Purpose:

To analyze clinical profile, imaging features, and short-term visual outcomes of optic neuritis patients in Indian population with and without seromarkers for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)/neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Methods:

Electronic medical records of 203 optic neuritis patients who presented between June 2018 and December 2019 to the Neuro-ophthalmology services of a tertiary care center in India were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

Of 203 patients, 57 patients (28.08%) were positive for MOG-antibody and 20 patients (9.85%) were positive for NMO antibody. 114 patients (56.16%) were double-negative (negative for both antibodies) and 12 patients (5.91%) were diagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS). None of the patients had both antibodies. Mean age of presentation was 31.29 ± 1.035 years. There was female preponderance in NMO-optic neuritis (NMO-ON) and MS-optic neuritis (MS-ON) groups (1:5). Mean vision on presentation was worse (logMAR 1.570 ± 0.863) in NMO-ON group. The mean visual acuity showed statistically significant recovery (logMAR 0.338 ± 0.639) in the final follow-up in MOG-optic neuritis (MOG-ON) group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed poor visual outcome in patients presenting with retrobulbar neuritis, optic disc pallor, bilateral sequential optic nerve involvement, and with positive NMO antibody. Optic neuritis patients presenting with disc edema associated with pain and positive for MOG antibody were found to have a better visual outcome.

Conclusion:

In this Indian optic neuritis cohort, the prevalence of MOG-ON was higher than NMO-ON. MOG-ON had a better visual outcome than NMO-ON. The incidence of MS-ON was less compared to the western literature. A significant number of patients (114 patients, 56.16%) were double negative for both seromarkers and yet had presented with optic neuritis with no clinical or imaging features suggestive of MS/MOG associated disease (MOG AD)/NMO spectrum disorder (NMO SD).

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.

Five-year visual outcomes after optic neuritis in anti-MOG antibody-associated disease

INTRODUCTION

Optic neuritis (ON) is a major phenotype of clinical attack related to demyelinating neurological diseases of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis (MS), anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). As the concept of MOGAD is relatively new, the long-term visual outcomes after ON in MOGAD remains unclear.

METHODS

To elucidate the long-term visual prognosis after ON in MOGAD, patients with MOGAD whose visual acuity were regularly followed for more than 5 years from the onset of ON were enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at nadir in the acute phase and at 1 and 5 years from onset was evaluated. The data from patients with MOGAD were compared with those from patients with MS or anti-AQP4-positive NMOSD.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (31 ON-involved eyes) with MOGAD, 20 patients (24 ON-involved eyes) with MS, and 22 patients (24 ON-involved eyes) with anti-AQP4-positive NMOSD were evaluated. All BCVA at nadir, 1 year, and 5 years from the onset of ON were much worse in anti-AQP4-positive NMOSD than in MS (p = 0.0024) and MOGAD (p = 0.0014) patients. In MOGAD and anti-AQP4-positive NMOSD, the serum disease-specific antibody titer was not associated with the subsequent visual prognosis. Visual acuity had almost fully recovered spontaneously or shortly after initiating acute treatment in 22 of the 23 patients with MOGAD-ON. The administration of high-dose intravenous steroid therapy further facilitated early recovery of visual acuity. Meanwhile, a small fraction of patients with extensive optic nerve lesions involving the chiasma irreversibly experienced severe visual impairment despite appropriate acute treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although a small fraction of patients with MOGAD who presented with extensive optic nerve lesions experienced irreversible severe visual impairment, the long-term visual outcomes after 5 years from ON in patients with MOGAD were generally as good as that in patients with MS and much better than that in patients with anti-AQP4-positive NMOSD.

Myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease

Myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a recently identified autoimmune disorder that presents in both adults and children as CNS demyelination. Although there are clinical phenotypic overlaps between MOGAD, multiple sclerosis, and aquaporin-4 antibody-associated neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) cumulative biological, clinical, and pathological evidence discriminates between these conditions. Patients should not be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or NMOSD if they have anti-MOG antibodies in their serum. However, many questions related to the clinical characterisation of MOGAD and pathogenetic role of MOG antibodies are still unanswered. Furthermore, therapy is mainly based on standard protocols for aquaporin-4 antibody-associated NMOSD and multiple sclerosis, and more evidence is needed regarding how and when to treat patients with MOGAD.

Age-dependent favorable visual recovery despite significant retinal atrophy in pediatric MOGAD: how much retina do you really need to see well?

Background

To investigate age-related severity, patterns of retinal structural damage, and functional visual recovery in pediatric and adult cohorts of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) optic neuritis (ON).

Methods

All MOGAD patients from the 5 participating centers were included. Patients with initial manifestation <18 years were included in the pediatric (MOGAD^ped) cohort and patients with ≥18 years in the adult (MOGAD^adult) cohort. For patients with MOGAD ON, examinations at least ≥6 months after ON onset were included in the analyses. Using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), we acquired peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFL) and volumes of combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL). High- and 2.5% low-contrast visual acuity (HCVA, LCVA) and visual-evoked potentials (VEP) were obtained.

Results

Twenty MOGAD^ped (10.3±3.7 years, 30 MOGAD ON eyes) and 39 MOGAD^adult (34.9±11.6 years, 42 MOGAD ON eyes) patients were included. The average number of ON episodes per ON eye was similar in both groups (1.8±1.3 and 2.0±1.7). In both pediatric and adult MOGAD, ON led to pronounced neuroaxonal retinal atrophy (pRNFL: 63.1±18.7 and 64.3±22.9 μm; GCIPL: 0.42±0.09 and 0.44±0.13 mm³, respectively) and moderate delay of the VEP latencies (117.9±10.7 and 118.0±14.5 ms). In contrast, visual acuity was substantially better in children (HCVA: 51.4±9.3 vs. 35.0±20.6 raw letters, p=0.001; LCVA: 22.8±14.6 vs. 13.5±16.4, p=0.028). Complete visual recovery (HCVA-logMAR 0.0) occurred in 73.3% of MOGAD^ped and 31% MOGAD^adults ON eyes, while 3.3% and 31% demonstrated moderate to severe (logMAR > 0.5) visual impairment. Independent of retinal atrophy, age at ON onset significantly correlated with visual outcome.

Conclusion

Pediatric MOGAD ON showed better visual recovery than adult MOGAD ON despite profound and almost identical neuroaxonal retinal atrophy. Age-related cortical neuroplasticity may account for the substantial discrepancy between structural changes and functional outcomes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02160-9.

Clinical and Radiologic Features, Pathology, and Treatment of Baló Concentric Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of Baló concentric sclerosis (BCS) and assess overlap between BCS and other CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases.

METHODS

Retrospective review of BCS cases from US and Australian tertiary care centers.

RESULTS

We identified 40 BCS cases with 38 available MRIs. Solitary MRI lesions were present in 26% (10/38). We saw >1 active concurrent BCS lesion in 45% (17/38). A third (13/38) had multiple sclerosis-suggestive lesions on the index MRI, of which 10 fulfilled Barkhof criteria. In patients with serial MRI performed within 1 month of the index MRI, lesions expanded radially with sequentially increased numbers of T2 hyperintense rings 52% (14/27). Initially nonenhancing or centrally enhancing lesions subsequently developed single or multiple enhancing rings (41%; 9/22) and incomplete enhancing rings (14%; 3/22). Discordance between rings as they appear on apparent diffusion coefficient, diffusion-weighted imaging, and gadolinium-enhanced imaging was observed in 67% (22/33). Aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (n = 26) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G (n = 21) were negative in all patients with serum available. Clinical response to steroid treatment was seen in 46% (13/28). A monophasic clinical course was present in 56% (18/32) at last follow-up (median 27.5 months; range 3-100 months). The initial attack was fatal in 10% (4/40). Median time from symptom onset to death was 23 days (range 19-49 days). All 17 patients with pathology available demonstrated typical findings of multiple sclerosis. Patients with active demyelinating lesions all demonstrated oligodendrocytopathy (pattern III).

CONCLUSIONS

BCS may be a distinct subtype of multiple sclerosis characterized by pattern III immunopathology.

Comparative analysis of immunosuppressive therapies for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated optic neuritis: a cohort study

AIMS

The optimal immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated optic neuritis (MOG-ON) remains uncertain. This study aimed to observe the disease course of MOG-ON and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of conventional immunosuppressants through Chinese cohort analysis.

METHODS

This bidirectional cohort study included 121 patients with MOG-ON between January 2015 and December 2018. The clinical features and annualised relapse rate (ARR) of patients with and without IST were analysed.

RESULTS

The median age at onset was 17.5 years, and the sex ratio (F:M) was 1.24. Of 121 patients, 77 patients relapsed and 61 patients were younger than 18 years at disease onset. The overall median ARR of 63 patients in the non-IST group was 0.5, with 46.0% patients showing relapse at a median follow-up of 33.5 months. In the IST group, the ARR decreased from 1.75 pre-IST to 0.00 post-IST in 53 patients who received IST exceeding 6 months, with 20.8% patients showing relapse at a median follow-up of 23.8 months. The relapse rates of patients treated with rituximab (RTX) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) were not statistically different, but the rate of discontinuation was significantly lower in the RTX-treated group (18.2% vs 57.7%, p=0.0017).

CONCLUSION

This study provides Class III evidence that both MMF and RTX may lower disease activity in patients with MOG-ON, and RTX showed better tolerability than MMF. However, observation after a single attack remains a good option because less than half of patients not on treatment suffered a relapse.

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) Optic Neuritis: A Case Series

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody disease has been recognised as a distinct demyelinating disorder. Optic neuritis has been reported as the most common presentation and manifestation of this spectrum disorder. This is a case series of three MOG optic neuritis patients. Patients involved are female with disease onset ranging between 7- and 37-year-old. Most of these patients experienced symptoms of profound reduced visual acuity with eye pain. All three patients had optic disc swelling upon first presentation and they experienced at least one episode of bilateral simultaneous optic neuritis. Only one patient had demonstrable optic nerve enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Disease was confirmed through positive MOG antibody. Patients typically responded well to intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) during acute attack of optic neuritis. However, one patient had suboptimal response to IVMP after multiple relapses. We noted multiple relapses of optic neuritis are common in MOG patients. MOG optic neuritis is a devastating, but treatable condition. Aggressive treatment during acute optic neuritis attack and relapse prevention may favour a good visual prognosis in MOG antibody disease.

Clinical and Prognostic Analysis of Autoantibody-Associated CNS Demyelinating Disorders in Children in Southwest China

Objective: To analyze the positive and recurrence rates of different autoantibody-associated demyelination disorders in children in Southwest China, and describe the clinical, radiological, and prognostic features of the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-ab) and aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-ab) associated disease. This study also summarizes steroid maintenance therapy approaches for MOG-ab-positive children. Methods: A total of 160 children presenting with acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) between January 2016 and December 2019 were tested for MOG-ab and AQP4-ab. Clinical data, MRI scans, and survival analyses were compared between MOG-ab-positive and AQP4-ab-positive children. Evolution of serologic status and treatment response to immunosuppressants were collected in MOG-ab-positive children. Results: Of the 160 included children, the MOG-ab positivity rate (47.4%) was significantly higher than the AQP4-ab (5%) positivity rate. The recurrence rate for AQP4-ab disease (71.4%) was higher than that of MOG-ab disease (30.1%). For 135 children with both MOG-ab and AQP4-ab tested, the median age at onset was 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 5-10) years, and the median follow-up period was 19 (IQR 13-27.5) months. MOG-ab-positive children more frequently presented with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, had deep gray matter lesions on MRI, had a better clinical and radiological recovery, and were less likely to have sustained disability than AQP4-ab-positive children. In MOG-ab-positive and AQP4-ab-positive children, maintenance therapy was a protective factor for recurrence, but presenting optic neuritis was a predictor of earlier relapse. A high Expanded Disability Status Scale score at onset was associated with sustained disability. Steroid maintenance therapy longer than 6 months after the initial attack was associated with a lower risk of a second relapse in MOG-ab-positive children. On serial serum MOG antibody analysis, clinical relapse occurred in 34.6% of children with persistent seropositivity, but none of the children who converted to seronegative status experienced relapse. Conclusion: The MOG antibody is more common in children with ADS than the AQP4 antibody. MOG-ab-positive children are characterized by distinct clinical and radiological features. Although some MOG-ab-positive children experience relapsing courses or have persistently seropositive status, they still predict a better outcome than AQP4-ab-positive children.

Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for steroid-resistant optic neuritis: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled phase III study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous "freeze-dried sulfonated human normal immunoglobulin (GGS)" in patients with steroid-resistant optic neuritis (ON).

STUDY DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Patients with steroid-resistant acute ON were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous GGS (GGS group) or intravenous methylprednisolone (steroid pulse [SP] group). Visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]), mean deviation (MD) value of the Humphrey Field Analyzer, and critical flicker fusion frequency were measured as efficacy endpoints; adverse events (AEs) were assessed as the safety endpoint.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (16 patients/group) received the study drugs. The primary endpoint, change in logMAR at week 2 compared to baseline, showed no statistically significant intergroup difference. However, compared with the SP group, change in the GGS group was increasingly indicative of visual improvement, with least squares mean difference of > 0.3 logMAR. On post-hoc analyses, the percentage of patients in the GGS and SP groups with improvement by ≥ 0.3 logMAR at week 2 were 75.0% and 31.3%, respectively. Changes in MD values at week 2 compared to baseline were 9.258  ±  8.296 (mean ± standard deviation) dB and 3.175  ±  6.167 dB in the GGS and SP groups, respectively. These results showed statistically significant intergroup differences (visual acuity improvement, P = 0.032; change in MD values, P = 0.030). No clinically significant AEs were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that intravenous immunoglobulin could be a safe and efficacious therapeutic option for prompt treatment of steroid-resistant acute ON.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

JapicCTI-132080.

Population-Based Incidence of Optic Neuritis in the Era of Aquaporin-4 and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibodies

PURPOSE

To re-evaluate the population-based incidence of optic neuritis in the era of aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG, which are biomarkers of optic neuritis that is distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS). Over the past 15 years, 2 new biomarkers have been discovered that allow for further characterization of the cause of atypical optic neuritis: AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG.

DESIGN

Retrospective, population-based cohort.

SETTING

population-based.

PARTICIPANTS

all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with optic neuritis diagnosed between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2018.

METHODS

The Rochester Epidemiology Project database was used to identify patients. Sera were tested for AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG by using a live-cell-based flow cytometry assay. Main outcome measurements were the incidence and cause of optic neuritis.

RESULTS

Optic neuritis was diagnosed in 110 patients, providing an annual incidence of 3.9 per 100,000. The final diagnosis was MS in 57%, idiopathic in 29%, MOG-IgG-associated disorder in 5%, AQP4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in 3%, infectious type in 2%, sarcoidosis in 2%, seronegative NMOSD in 1%, and medication-related in 1%. All 3 patients positive for AQP4-IgG had more than 1 optic neuritis attack, 2 with residual no light perception vision in at least 1 eye. Among MOG-IgG-positive patients, 4 of 6 patients had recurrent optic neuritis, and all 6 had a final visual acuity of 20/30 or better.

CONCLUSIONS

At a population level, AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG account for 9% of optic neuritis and are associated with recurrent attacks, but MOG-IgG optic neuritis has a better visual outcome than AQP4-IgG optic neuritis.

Differences in Clinical Features of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Optic Neuritis in White and Asian Race

PURPOSE

To determine whether clinical features and visual outcomes of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated optic neuritis (MOG-ON) differ between White and Asian subjects.

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective cohort.

METHODS

This was a multicenter study of 153 subjects who were White or Asian with a history of adult-onset (age 18 years or older) optic neuritis (ON) and positive MOG-IgG serology by cell-based assay. Subjects were enrolled from 2 unpublished cohorts (January 2017-November 2019) and 9 published cohorts with case-level data available (2012-2018). Subjects with alternative etiologies of demyelinating disease and positive or lack of aquaporin-4-IgG serology result were excluded. The main outcome measurements were clinical features and final visual outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 153 subjects who were White (n = 80) or Asian (n = 73) included in the study, 93 (61%) were women, mean age of onset was 40.8 ± 14.9 years, and median follow-up was 35.2 months (range: 1-432 months); all of these characteristics were similar between White and Asian subjects. White subjects were more likely to have recurrent ON (57 [71%] vs 20 [27%]; P = .001) and extra-optic nerve manifestations (35 [44%] vs 8 [11%]; P = .001). Optic disc swelling, neuroimaging findings, presenting visual acuity (VA), treatment, and final VA did not differ according to subjects' race. Despite the high prevalence of severe visual loss (<20/200) during nadir, most subjects had good recovery of VA (>20/40) at final examination (51/77 [66%] White subjects vs 52/70 [74%] Asian subjects).

CONCLUSION

White subjects with MOG-ON were more likely to have recurrent disease and extra-optic nerve manifestations. Visual outcomes were similar between White and Asian subjects.