Optic neuritis as first clinical manifestations the multiple sclerosis

Incidence of Optic Neuritis among Omani Patients with Multiple Sclerosis at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman

Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, multifaceted, heterogeneous autoimmune disease, with optic neuritis (ON) being a common early manifestation among those with MS. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of ON among Omani patients with MS.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study included all Omani patients diagnosed with MS at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January 1991 and December 2019. The data were collected from the neurology registry and electronic medical records and analysed descriptively using univariant and multivariant statistical techniques.

Results

Out of the 185 patients diagnosed with MS during the study period, 170 were included in the analysis. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2 and the mean age was 28 years. The incidence of ON in the population was 28.8%, with 83.7% of ON patients presenting with relapse-remitting MS (RRMS). Overall, 28.6% of patients presented with O N as an initial manifestation of MS, whereas 42.8% developed ON at a later stage. Most patients (49.4%) were from higher-latitude regions of Oman such as Muscat and Al Batinah.

Conclusions

The incidence of both MS and ON increased over the study period. While the overall incidence was low in comparison with Western data, it was similar to the rates reported elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula. Overall, ON was the most common manifestation of MS in the cohort, with younger female patients more frequently presenting with both MS and ON. A significant association was found between the RRMS subtype and ON presentation.

Treatment with MDL 72527 Ameliorated Clinical Symptoms, Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss, Optic Nerve Inflammation, and Improved Visual Acuity in an Experimental Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a highly disabling neurological disease characterized by inflammation, neuronal damage, and demyelination. Vision impairment is one of the major clinical features of MS. Previous studies from our lab have shown that MDL 72527, a pharmacological inhibitor of spermine oxidase (SMOX), is protective against neurodegeneration and inflammation in the models of diabetic retinopathy and excitotoxicity. In the present study, utilizing the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, we determined the impact of SMOX blockade on retinal neurodegeneration and optic nerve inflammation. The increased expression of SMOX observed in EAE retinas was associated with a significant loss of retinal ganglion cells, degeneration of synaptic contacts, and reduced visual acuity. MDL 72527-treated mice exhibited markedly reduced motor deficits, improved neuronal survival, the preservation of synapses, and improved visual acuity compared to the vehicle-treated group. The EAE-induced increase in macrophage/microglia was markedly reduced by SMOX inhibition. Upregulated acrolein conjugates in the EAE retina were decreased through MDL 72527 treatment. Mechanistically, the EAE-induced ERK-STAT3 signaling was blunted by SMOX inhibition. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate the potential benefits of targeting SMOX to treat MS-mediated neuroinflammation and vision loss.

Comparing evolvement of visual field defect in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder-optic neuritis and idiopathic optic neuritis: a prospective study

Purpose

To compare the evolvement of visual field (VF) defect in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder-optic neuritis (NMOSD-ON) and idiopathic optic neuritis (IDON).

Methods

This prospective study involved 104 optic neuritis (ON) patients followed up for ≥ 6 months (33 patients with NMOSD-ON and 71 patients with IDON). The pattern and recovery pattern of VF defect, mean defect (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) of VF, as well as BCVA at onset, 1 month (1 m), 3 months (3 m), and ≥ 6 months (6 m) after onset were compared between two groups. Analysis of these indicators in first episode patients was also done.

Results

Diffuse abnormalities and nerve fiber bundle abnormalities were the two most common patterns in both groups. The percentage of neurologic abnormality of VF defect in NMOSD-ON was higher than that of IDON. Compared with the IDON group, the MD and PSD of NMOSD-ON group were significantly worse at each follow-up. While a positive correlation in BCVA was found between 1 m and ≥ 6 m in the NMOSD-ON group only, a positive correlation was found between 1 m and ≥ 6 m in MD and PSD of both groups. A positive correlation was found between 3 m and ≥ 6 m in MD, PSD and BCVA of both groups. The quadrant recovery pattern was the most common pattern in both groups (57.1% in NMOSD-ON and 57.4% in IDON). The analysis of the first episode subgroup further confirmed the observation above.

Conclusions

The NMOSD-ON patients tended to suffer more severe VF damage, VF irregularity and worse prognosis than that of IDON patients. Diffuse abnormalities and nerve fiber bundle abnormalities were the two most common types in both groups, while neurologic abnormality more common in NMOSD-ON and central scotoma more common in IDON. The visual functions of 1 m in NMOSD-ON and 3 m in IDON were related to its prognosis.

Inpatient Ophthalmology Consultations

Comprehensive patient care requires an integrated approach that often includes different specialties. Of these specialties, Ophthalmology stands out with its variable pathologic conditions, unique tools, and special examination techniques, which are not part of the standard training of internal medicine or other specialties. The authors review prior studies focused on inpatient ophthalmology consultations, common reasons for inpatient ophthalmology consultation, and the recommended approach to the most common ocular complaints that could present to the inpatient provider. They also shed light on the basic ocular history and eye examination that should be obtained before requesting an ophthalmic evaluation.

Analysis of multiple sclerosis patients with electrophysiological and structural tests

We aimed to analyze the effects of progressive myelin loss and neurodegeneration seen in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on visual tract with electrophysiological and structural tests. Fifty-one patients diagnosed with MS in the Neurology Department were followed up in neuro-ophthalmology outpatient clinic irrespective of their visual symptoms, and were included in our study. The patients were classified as the ones with the history of optic neuritis (group II) and ones without the history (group I) of optic neuritis. The data, including clinical presentation, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) measurements, pattern visual evoked potential (pVEP) and flash electro retino grams (ERG) test results, were recorded. In our study, comparison of pVEP test latencies of groups I and II with each other, and with those of healthy subjects revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The analysis of rod functions on ERG did not show any significant changes (p > 0.05). However, both groups showed significantly decreased cone b-wave amplitudes, elongation of latencies, and decreased flicker amplitudes on cone and flicker potentials obtained after light adaptation (p < 0.05). There was significant thinning in RNFLT of the both groups when compared to the normal standards. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Axon loss is seen in the optic nerve with subclinical or acute optic neuritis in patients with MS. RNFLT analysis and electrophysiological tests are of great importance in diagnosis of MS, as well as to determine progression and to direct neuroprotective therapy in patients diagnosed with MS. Objective analysis methods gain more importance in the diagnosis and follow-up of MS patients, parallel to technological advancements.

Elevated Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio in Recurrent Optic Neuritis

Purpose. To demonstrate the relation between optic neuritis (ON) and systemic inflammation markers as neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio), platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and red cell distribution width (RDW) and furthermore to evaluate the utilization of these markers to predict the frequency of the ON episodes. Methods. Forty-two patients with acute ON and forty healthy subjects were enrolled into the study. The medical records were reviewed for age, sex, hemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (Htc), RDW, platelet count, MPV, white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil and lymphocyte count, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio). Results. The mean N/L ratio, platelet counts, and RDW were significantly higher in ON group (p = 0.000, p = 0.048, and p = 0.002). There was a significant relation between N/L ratio and number of episodes (r = 0.492, p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference for MPV between one episode group and recurrent ON group (p = 0.035). Conclusions. Simple and inexpensive laboratory methods could help us show systemic inflammation and monitor ON patients. Higher N/L ratio can be a useful marker for predicting recurrent attacks.