Update on Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Overview

Journal Curr Opin Ophthalmol

Specialty Ophthalmology

Date 2020 Oct 3

PMID 33009077

Citations 15

Authors

Kathryn B Holroyd

Giovanna S Manzano

Michael Levy

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose Of Review: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is an autoimmune disease that causes optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Attacks can cause severe neurological damage leading to blindness and paralysis. Understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this disease has led to major breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment. In the past 18 months, three successful phase 3 clinical trials have been published using targeted approaches to preventing relapses.

Recent Findings: Updates in epidemiology, imaging, quality of life and treatment for acute relapse and prevention have been published in the past 18 months. Epidemiology studies are distinguishing patients based on their antigen specificity for aquaporin-4 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, which are increasingly recognized as separate immunological conditions. Imaging by MRI and optical coherence tomography continue to be developed as tools to distinguish neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) from other diseases. This is especially relevant as the recent clinical trials showed differences in response between aquaporin-4 seropositive and seronegative patients. The three drugs that were tested for prevention of NMOSD relapses were eculizumab, inebilizumab, and satralizumab. All of the trials were worldwide, placebo-controlled, double-masked studies that demonstrated a clear benefit with each approach.

Summary: Recent research in NMOSD has resulted in improved diagnosis and approved treatments.

Citing Articles

Insights into neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and pregnancy from a single-center study in Thailand.

Budtarad N, Ongphichetmehta T, Siritho S Sci Rep. 2025; 15(1):4011.

PMID: 39893222 PMC: 11787356. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-88624-x.

A Chinese child with both systemic lupus erythematosus coexisting with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a case report.

Hu R, Yao Y, Xu D, Bao Y, Liu X, Zhu G Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2024; 22(1):107.

PMID: 39695852 PMC: 11654328. DOI: 10.1186/s12969-024-01045-4.

Safety and Effectiveness of Satralizumab in Japanese Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A 6-month Interim Analysis of Post-marketing Surveillance.

Yamamura T, Isobe N, Kawachi I, Nohara C, Miyazaki Y, Tomita M Neurol Ther. 2024; 13(5):1361-1383.

PMID: 39012406 PMC: 11393251. DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00640-7.

Review of Satralizumab for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A New Biologic Agent Targeting the Interleukin-6 Receptor.

Meher B, Mohanty R, Dash A Cureus. 2024; 16(2):e55100.

PMID: 38558672 PMC: 10978816. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55100.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cell type-specific immune regulation associated with human neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Jiang Y, Dai S, Pang R, Qin L, Zhang M, Liu H Front Immunol. 2024; 15:1322125.

PMID: 38440735 PMC: 10909925. DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1322125.

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