The Clinical Spectrum of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) comprises a variety of different antibodies, cellular targets, pathophysiologies, treatments, and outcomes. Through the German Neuromyelitis Optica Study Group registry, investigators have now identified patients with NMOSD, including 298 with aquaporin 4 antibodies (AQP4+), 133 with myelin oligodendrocyte antibodies (MOG+), and 52 with no antibodies (AQP4−/MOG−).

Mean follow-up was >7 years. Optic neuritis and transverse myelitis were presenting features in approximately 80%. Monophasic disease was observed in 22% of AQP4+ patients and 33% of MOG+ patients. Maintenance immunosuppressive treatment was given to 97% of AQP4+ and 85% of MOG+ patients. Median time to Expanded Disability Status Scale…