Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Neuromyelitis Optica

Although several therapies are available for neuromyelitis optica (NMO), some patients remain treatment-refractory. Investigators have now detailed their single-center, open-label study of patients with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) NMO who received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT).

Of 22 referrals, 13 patients were deemed good candidates based on nonadvanced disability and favorable comorbidity status. One person died from lupus-related alveolar hemorrhage 10 months after aHSCT. Mean age for the 12 remaining NMO patients was 42 years, mean disease duration was 84 months, mean number of acute relapses was 4.3, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 4.3, and mean number of different immune treatments was 4. Afte…