Maintenance Immunotherapy for Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein–Associated Antibody Disease

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) can be associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody, other antibodies, or no antibodies. This retrospective case series included 70 patients (47 adult, 23 pediatric) with MOG-associated disorder (MOGAD) on maintenance therapy for at least 6 months. The cohort was followed for a median 4.5 years.

Before maintenance therapy, 77% experienced at least 1 relapse. After maintenance therapy, 67% experienced a relapse. Relapses included optic neuritis (96%), transverse myelitis (49%), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (40%). The annualized relapse rate was 1.6 prior to maintenance therapy, dropping to 0.3 after maintenance therapy. Azathioprine was associated with a relapse …