Female hormonal exposures and neuromyelitis optica symptom onset in a multicenter study

Objective:To study the association between hormonal exposures and disease onset in a cohort of women with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).Methods:Reproductive history and hormone use were assessed using a standardized reproductive survey administered to women with NMOSD (82% aquaporin-4 antibody positive) at 8 clinical centers. Using multivariable regression, we examined the association between reproductive exposures and age at first symptom onset (FS).Results:Among 217 respondents, the mean age at menarche was 12.8 years (SD 1.7). The mean number of pregnancies was 2.1 (SD 1.6), including 0.3 (SD 0.7) occurring after onset of NMOSD symptoms. In the 117 participants who were postmenopausal at the time of the questionnaire, 70% reported natural menopause (mean age: 48.9 years [SD 3.9]); fewer than 30% reported systemic hormone therapy (HT) use. Mean FS age was 40.1 years (SD 14.2). Ever-use of systemic hormonal contraceptives (HC) was marginally associated with earlier FS (39 vs 43 years, p = 0.05). Because HC use may decrease parity, when we included both variables in the model, the association between HC use and FS age became more significant (estimate = 2.7, p = 0.007). Among postmenopausal participants, 24% reported NMOSD onset within 2 years of (before or after) menopause. Among these participants, there was no association between age at menopause or HT use and age at NMOSD onset.Conclusions:Overall, age at NMOSD onset did not show a strong relationship with endogenous hormonal exposures. An earlier onset age did appear to be marginally associated with systemic HC exposure, an association that requires confirmation in future studies.

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Temporal trends in age at menarche and age at menopause: a population study of 312 656 women in Norway

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/dez288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 464-471 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

M S Gottschalk ◽

A Eskild ◽

S Hofvind ◽

J M Gran ◽

E K Bjelland

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Life Expectancy ◽

Birth Cohort ◽

Population Study ◽

Age At Menarche ◽

Birth Cohorts ◽

Natural Menopause ◽

Age At Menopause ◽

The Mean

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Have mean age at menarche or mean age at natural menopause changed from the 1939 birth cohort to the 1964 birth cohort? SUMMARY ANSWER We estimated a minor decrease in mean age at menarche and an increase by nearly 3 years in mean age at natural menopause. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In the Western world, age at menarche decreased across birth cohorts from the early 1800s until the 1950s. Whether mean age at menarche has continued to decrease in birth cohorts after the 1950s remains uncertain. It is also uncertain whether mean age at natural menopause has changed across birth cohorts. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a retrospective population study of 312 656 women who were born in Norway during the years 1936–1964. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The data were obtained by two self-administered questionnaires from women who participated in the Norwegian breast cancer screening program (BreastScreen Norway) during the years 2006–2014. We used flexible parametric survival models with restricted cubic splines to estimate mean age at menarche, mean age at menopause and mean number of years between menarche and menopause according to the women’s year of birth. The women who were still having menstrual periods contributed with follow-up time until the time of data collection, and the women who had reported surgical removal of the uterus and/or both ovaries prior to natural menopause contributed with follow-up time until the time of surgery. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The mean age at menarche was 13.42 years (95% CI: 13.40–13.44 years) among women born during 1936–1939, and it was 13.24 years (95% CI: 13.22–13.25 years) among women born during 1960–1964. The mean age at natural menopause increased from 50.31 years (95% CI: 50.25–50.37 years) among women born during 1936–1939 to 52.73 years (95% CI: 52.64–52.82 years) among women born during 1960–1964. The mean number of years between menarche and menopause increased from 36.83 years (95% CI: 36.77–36.89 years) to 40.22 years (95% CI: 40.11–40.34 years). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Information about age at menarche and age at menopause was based on self-reports. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Late menopause is associated with increased risk of breast cancer but also with increased life expectancy. Thus, higher mean age at menopause may partly explain the increase in breast cancer incidence after menopause and the increase in life expectancy in recent time. Also, a longer interval between menarche and menopause could suggest that the number of years of female fecundity has increased. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority [grant number 2016112 to M.S.G.] and by the Norwegian Cancer Society [grant number 6863294-2015 to E.K.B.]. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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P011 Radiological pattern in juvenile onset Spondylarthritis differ from the adult onset spondylarthritis

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keab722.003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 60 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

Hanene Ferjani ◽

Makhlouf Yasmine ◽

Kaouther Maatallah ◽

Dorra Ben Nessib ◽

Wafa Triki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽

Symptom Onset ◽

Structural Damage ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Joint Involvement ◽

Adult Onset ◽

Juvenile Onset ◽

Radiographic Features ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background Spondylarthritis (SpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial spine that may be affect the peripheral joints. SpA occurs predominantly in adulthood: Adult onset Ankylosing Spondylitis (AoAS). However, it can occur earlier in childhood (≤16 years old), also termed as juvenile onset Ankylosing Spondylitis (JoAS). In the second group, delay in diagnosis may lead to further structural damage. The aim of our study was to compare the differences in radiographic features between JoAS and AoAS. Methods We conducted a retrospective study in our department of rheumatology of Kassab Institute of orthopedics, including patients diagnosed with SpA according to the ASAS criteria (≥17 years at symptom onset) or to the ILAR criteria (≤16 years at symptom onset). Were not included AS patients whose disease onset was ≥ 45 years. Sociodemographic as well as disease characteristics were recorded. The lateral cervical and lumbar spine radiographs were used to assess structural damage by the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) and The Bath Ankylosing Radiologic Index (BASRI). The total score of mSASSS and BASRI vary between 0–72 and 0–16 respectively with higher scores indicating evolved structural damage. Radiographic features were then compared between AoAS and JoAS. The level of significance was fixed for a P < 0.05. Results Of 140 AS patients, 40 had JoAS and 100 had AoAS. The average age at disease onset was 12.4 ± 3 [8–16] and 25.4 ± 10.1 [17–42] respectively (P < 0.001). The disease duration was 10.6 years [1–44]. The average current age was 25.3 ± 10.2 [9–59] and 32.5 ± 7.5 [18–46] (P < 0.001). The JoAS group showed a more frequent onset with peripheral joint involvement than the AoAS group (80% vs 50%,P = 0.001). Similarly, hip involvement was more frequent among JoAS patients (57.7% vs 25%, P = 0.000). There was no significant differences between the two groups regarding the mean mSASSS score, the total BASRI score and the BASRI score for the sacroiliac joints (P = 0.9, P = 0.49, P = 0.06 respectively). Similarly, there was no differences in the mean spine BASRI score between the two groups, although there was a trend of higher scores among AoAS patients (3.2 vs 3.9, P = 0.15 respectively). On the contrary, JoAS patients had a significantly higher BASRI score for the hip than AoAS patients (2.4 vs 1.3, P = 0.000). Conclusion Our study showed that JoAS patients are more likely to suffer from early hip damage than AoAS patients. The spine BASRI was similar between the two groups despite the shorter disease duration in the juvenile group. This highlights the need for screening for hip involvement and for a closer monitoring in this subset of children.

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Factors Associated With Delayed Menopause in Iran, Based On Fasa Cohort Study, A Branch Of Persian Cohort Study

Galen Medical Journal ◽

10.31661/gmj.v7i0.922 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. e922

Author(s):

Mojtaba Farjam ◽

Zahra Amiri ◽

Mehdi Sharafi ◽

Ehsan Bahramali

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Marital Status ◽

Age At Menarche ◽

Natural Menopause ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Contraceptive Pills ◽

Menopausal Women ◽

The Mean ◽

Socio Demographic Factors

Background: Investigation of middle-aged women’s mental and physical health measures should be focused on menopause that is a predictable physiological phenomenon in their lives, because the prevalence of the majority of chronic diseases increases after this period. This study aimed to determine the risk factors of delayed menopause (climacterium tardum). Material and Methods: The current cross-sectional research was conducted on 1930 menopausal women who had referred to the cohort study of Fasa University of Medical Sciences during 2014-2015. The data were extracted from the database, and then, the variables were checked for accuracy. Finally, the data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: This study was conducted on menopausal women with the mean age of 57.98±5.8 years. Among the women, 1555 (80.6%) were married, and the rest were single and widowed. Besides, the mean age at menarche was 13.7±1.64 years. Additionally, 1726 women (89.4%) had experienced natural menopause, while the rest had experienced delayed menopause. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that delayed menopause was associated with marital status, education level, age at menarche, occupation, abortion, and use of contraceptive methods. However, no significant relationship was found between delayed menopause and smoking, duration of lactation, duration of using contraceptive pills, and the number of childbirths. Conclusions: Considering the increased life expectancy among women, delayed menopause, and its risk factors should be taken into account. Although genetic factors play key roles in menopause age, the role of socio-demographic factors, such as marital status and pregnancy, should not be ignored. [GMJ.2018;7:e922]

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Celiac Disease in Kosovar Albanian Children: Evaluation of Clinical Features and Diagnosis

Current Pediatric Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573396316666200116093753 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 241-247

Author(s):

Atifete Ramosaj-Morina ◽

Alije Keka-Sylaj ◽

Arbana Baloku Zejnullahu ◽

Lidvana Spahiu ◽

Virgjina Hasbahta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Celiac Disease ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Dominant Mode ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Classical Form ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Mean

Background: Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by variable clinical manifestations, specific antibodies, HLA-DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes, and enteropathy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to present the clinical spectrum and patterns of celiac disease in Kosovar Albanian children. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed with Albanian children aged 0-18 years, treated for celiac disease in the Pediatric Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo from 2005 to 2016. Results: During the study period, 63 children were treated for celiac disease. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.5 years (SD ± 3.31). The mean age at celiac disease onset was 3.3 years (SD ± 2.02), while the mean delay from the first symptoms indicative of celiac disease to diagnosis was 2.2 years (SD ± 2.09). More than 70% of the patients were diagnosed in the first 7 years of life, mainly presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, while primary school children and adolescents mostly showed atypical symptoms (p<0.001). The classical form of celiac disease occurred in 78% of the cases. Sixty (95%) patients carried HLA-DQ2.5, DQ2.2 and/or HLA-DQ8 heterodimers, and only three of them tested negative. Conclusions: Kosovo, as the majority of developing countries, is still facing the classical form of celiac disease as the dominant mode of presentation; as a result, most children with other forms of the celiac disease remain undiagnosed. : Physicians should be aware of the wide range of clinical presentations and utilize low testing thresholds in order to prevent potential long-term problems associated with untreated celiac disease.

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AB0478 CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN BEHCET’S DISEASE

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.3609 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1537.1-1537

Author(s):

R. Goloeva ◽

Z. Alekberova

Keyword(s):

Behçet’S Disease ◽

Coronary Atherosclerosis ◽

Behcet’S Disease ◽

Behçet's Disease ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Atherogenic Index ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Behcet's Disease ◽

The Mean

Background:Behcet’s disease (BD) is systemic vasculitis, which affects all types and sizes of vessels. Increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is parameter associated with subclinical atherosclerosis.Objectives:To determine the prevalence of atherosclerosis in pts with BD.Methods:95 BD pts were evaluated and 45 healthy controls matched for age and gender.IMT was assessed by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Serum concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs CRP) was measured by immunonephelometric assay (BN-100 Analyzer; Dade Behring). Lipid profile evaluation included total cholesterol, TGs, HDL, LDL and atherogenic index.Results:The male-to-female ratio was 3,7:1, the mean age of pts was 29.7 (23-35) yrs, the mean age at the disease onset - 19,9 (14-25) yrs, the mean disease duration - 9,6 (4-15) yrs.Conclusion:Coronary atherosclerosis in BD pts was lower than what we expected. The thinning IMT may be one of the risk factors for aneurysm formation in pts with BD.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Immune-Mediated Disease Flares or New-Onset Disease in 27 Subjects Following mRNA/DNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050435 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 435

Author(s):

Abdulla Watad ◽

Gabriele De Marco ◽

Hussein Mahajna ◽

Amit Druyan ◽

Mailam Eltity ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Onset ◽

Underlying Disease ◽

Organ System ◽

Population Exposure ◽

Disease Phenotype ◽

Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease ◽

Adverse Event Following Immunization ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

The Mean ◽

New Onset

Background: Infectious diseases and vaccines can occasionally cause new-onset or flare of immune-mediated diseases (IMDs). The adjuvanticity of the available SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is based on either TLR-7/8 or TLR-9 agonism, which is distinct from previous vaccines and is a common pathogenic mechanism in IMDs. Methods: We evaluated IMD flares or new disease onset within 28-days of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination at five large tertiary centres in countries with early vaccination adoption, three in Israel, one in UK, and one in USA. We assessed the pattern of disease expression in terms of autoimmune, autoinflammatory, or mixed disease phenotype and organ system affected. We also evaluated outcomes. Findings: 27 cases included 17 flares and 10 new onset IMDs. 23/27 received the BNT - 162b2 vaccine, 2/27 the mRNA-1273 and 2/27 the ChAdOx1 vaccines. The mean age was 54.4 ± 19.2 years and 55% of cases were female. Among the 27 cases, 21 (78%) had at least one underlying autoimmune/rheumatic disease prior the vaccination. Among those patients with a flare or activation, four episodes occurred after receiving the second-dose and in one patient they occurred both after the first and the second-dose. In those patients with a new onset disease, two occurred after the second-dose and in one patient occurred both after the first (new onset) and second-dose (flare). For either dose, IMDs occurred on average 4 days later. Of the cases, 20/27 (75%) were mild to moderate in severity. Over 80% of cases had excellent resolution of inflammatory features, mostly with the use of corticosteroid therapy. Other immune-mediated conditions included idiopathic pericarditis (n = 2), neurosarcoidosis with small fiber neuropathy (n = 1), demyelination (n = 1), and myasthenia gravis (n = 2). In 22 cases (81.5%), the insurgence of Adverse event following immunization (AEFI)/IMD could not be explained based on the drug received by the patient. In 23 cases (85.2%), AEFI development could not be explained based on the underlying disease/co-morbidities. Only in one case (3.7%), the timing window of the insurgence of the side effect was considered not compatible with the time from vaccine to flare. Interpretation: Despite the high population exposure in the regions served by these centers, IMDs flares or onset temporally-associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination appear rare. Most are moderate in severity and responsive to therapy although some severe flares occurred. Funding: none.

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AB0669 PARTICULARITIES OF TUNISIAN FEMALE AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.6203 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1629.2-1629

Author(s):

K. Ben Abdelghani ◽

Y. Gzam ◽

A. Fazaa ◽

S. Miladi ◽

K. Ouenniche ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽

Activity Index ◽

Age At Onset ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Disease Activity Index ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Background:Axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) is a chronic rheumatic disease that mainly affects men. However, the female form of ax-SpA remains insufficiently studied.Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics, the disease activity and the functional impact of female ax-SpA in comparison with male ax-SpA.Methods:This is a retrospective study including patients diagnosed with ax-SpA fulfilling the criteria of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) 2009.Clinical parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) were compared between groups of female and male ax-SpA.Results:Two hundred ax-SpA patients were included with 31% of female (n=62) and a mean age of 43,3 ± 11,2 years.The mean age at onset of symptoms was 31,8 ± 8,9 years for women and 25,3 ± 9,1 years for men (p <0,0001). The mean age at diagnosis was 36,4 ± 9,6 years for women and 31,7 ± 10,4 years for men (p = 0,003). Ax-SpA with juvenile onset was noted in 1,7% of women and 12,1% of men (p = 0,02). Male ax-SpA were significantly more smokers (46.8% vs 5.4%; p <0.001). The mean duration of morning stiffness was 11,3 ± 9,2 minutes for women versus 21,6 ± 19,3 minutes for men (p = 0,005).The mean ESR was 42,4 ± 29,8 mm for women and 28,3 ± 23,4 mm for men (p = 0,001). Radiographic sacroiliitis was present in 69,3% of women versus 84,7% of men (p = 0,01). The use of anti-TNF alpha was less frequent in women (29% vs 48,5%; p = 0,01).Our study didn’t found a statistically significant difference in peripheral manifestations, extraarticular manifestations, CRP, BASDAI and BASFI between the two groups.Conclusion:Female ax-SpA seems to have a better prognosis than male with older age in disease onset, less inflammation, less radiographic sacroiliitis and less use of biological treatments.References:[1]Rusman T, et al. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2018; 20(6).[2]Siar N, et al. Curr Rheumatol Rev. 2019;Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Variations in reproductive events across life: a pooled analysis of data from 505 147 women across 10 countries

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/dez015 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (5) ◽

pp. 881-893 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Age At Menarche ◽

Age At First Birth ◽

First Birth ◽

Natural Menopause ◽

Individual Level ◽

Level Data ◽

Education Levels ◽

Reproductive Events ◽

Racial Ethnic ◽

Reproductive Indices

Abstract STUDY QUESTION How has the timing of women’s reproductive events (including ages at menarche, first birth, and natural menopause, and the number of children) changed across birth years, racial/ethnic groups and educational levels? SUMMARY ANSWER Women who were born in recent generations (1970–84 vs before 1930) or those who with higher education levels had menarche a year earlier, experienced a higher prevalence of nulliparity and had their first child at a later age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The timing of key reproductive events, such as menarche and menopause, is not only indicative of current health status but is linked to the risk of adverse hormone-related health outcomes in later life. Variations of reproductive indices across different birth years, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic positions have not been described comprehensively. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Individual-level data from 23 observational studies that contributed to the International Collaboration for a Life Course Approach to Reproductive Health and Chronic Disease Events (InterLACE) consortium were included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Altogether 505 147 women were included. Overall estimates for reproductive indices were obtained using a two-stage process: individual-level data from each study were analysed separately using generalised linear models. These estimates were then combined using random-effects meta-analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mean ages were 12.9 years at menarche, 25.7 years at first birth, and 50.5 years at natural menopause, with significant between-study heterogeneity (I2 > 99%). A linear trend was observed across birth year for mean age at menarche, with women born from 1970 to 1984 having menarche one year earlier (12.6 years) than women born before 1930 (13.5 years) (P for trend = 0.0014). The prevalence of nulliparity rose progressively from 14% of women born from 1940–49 to 22% of women born 1970–84 (P = 0.003); similarly, the mean age at first birth rose from 24.8 to 27.3 years (P = 0.0016). Women with higher education levels had fewer children, later first birth, and later menopause than women with lower education levels. After adjusting for birth year and education level, substantial variation was present for all reproductive events across racial/ethnic/regional groups (all P values < 0.005). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Variations of study design, data collection methods, and sample selection across studies, as well as retrospectively reported age at menarche, age at first birth may cause some bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This global consortium study found robust evidence on variations in reproductive indices for women born in the 20th century that appear to have both biological and social origins. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) InterLACE project is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council project grant (APP1027196). GDM is supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Principal Research Fellowship (APP1121844).

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Multiple Sclerosis in Malaysia: Demographics, Clinical Features, and Neuroimaging Characteristics

Multiple Sclerosis International ◽

10.1155/2013/614716 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

S. Viswanathan ◽

N. Rose ◽

A. Masita ◽

J. S. Dhaliwal ◽

S. D. Puvanarajah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Neuromyelitis Optica ◽

Demyelinating Disease ◽

Age At Onset ◽

Positive Family History ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Demyelinating Diseases ◽

Lesion Length ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

Spectrum Disorders

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an uncommon disease in multiracial Malaysia. Diagnosing patients with idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases has been greatly aided by the evolution in diagnostic criterion, the identification of new biomarkers, and improved accessibility to neuroimaging in the country.Objectives. To investigate the spectrum of multiple sclerosis in Malaysia.Methods. Retrospective analysis with longitudinal follow-up of patients referred to a single tertiary medical center with neurology services in Malaysia.Results. Out of 245 patients with idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease, 104 patients had multiple sclerosis. Female to male ratio was 5 : 1. Mean age at onset was 28.6 ± 9.9 years. The Malays were the predominant racial group affected followed by the Chinese, Indians, and other indigenous groups. Subgroup analysis revealed more Chinese having neuromyelitis optica and its spectrum disorders rather than multiple sclerosis. Positive family history was reported in 5%. Optic neuritis and myelitis were the commonest presentations at onset of disease, and relapsing remitting course was the commonest disease pattern observed. Oligoclonal band positivity was 57.6%. At disease onset, 61.5% and 66.4% fulfilled the 2005 and 2010 McDonald’s criteria for dissemination in space. Mean cord lesion length was 1.86 ± 1.65 vertebral segments in the relapsing remitting group as opposed to 6.25 ± 5.18 vertebral segments in patients with neuromyelitis optica and its spectrum disorders.Conclusion. The spectrum of multiple sclerosis in Malaysia has changed over the years. Further advancement in diagnostic criteria will no doubt continue to contribute to the evolution of this disease here.

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Pregnancy in Patients With AQP4-Ab, MOG-Ab, or Double-Negative Neuromyelitis Optica Disorder

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000011744 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 96 (15) ◽

pp. e2006-e2015

Author(s):

Nicolas Collongues ◽

Cecilia Alves Do Rego ◽

Bertrand Bourre ◽

Damien Biotti ◽

Romain Marignier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neuromyelitis Optica ◽

Previous History ◽

International Study ◽

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein ◽

Double Negative ◽

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder ◽

Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽

History Of ◽

Mog Antibodies ◽

The Mean

ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of pregnancy on neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) according to patients' serostatus and immunosuppressive therapy (IST).MethodsWe performed a retrospective multicenter international study on patients with NMOSD. Patients were tested for aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies (Ab). Informative pregnancies were reported when NMOSD onset occurred before or during pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. The mean annualized relapse rate (ARR) was calculated for the 12 months before conception, for each trimester of pregnancy, and postpartum. Events such as miscarriage, abortion, and preeclampsia were reported. IST was considered if taken in the 3 months before or during pregnancy.ResultsWe included 89 pregnancies (46 with AQP4-Ab, 30 with MOG-Ab, and 13 without either Ab) in 58 patients with NMOSD. Compared to the prepregnancy period, the ARR was lower during pregnancy in each serostatus group and higher during the postpartum period in patients with AQP4-Ab (p < 0.01). Forty-eight percent (n = 31) of pregnancies occurred during IST and these patients presented fewer relapses during pregnancy and the 12 months postpartum than untreated patients (26% vs 53%, p = 0.04). Miscarriages occurred in 10 (11%) pregnancies, and were mainly in patients with AQP4-Ab (with or without IST) and a previous history of miscarriage. Preeclampsia was reported in 2 (2%) patients who were AQP4-Ab-positive.ConclusionWe found a rebound in the ARR during the first postpartum trimester that was higher than the prepregnancy period only in AQP4-Ab-positive patients. Taking IST just before or during pregnancy reduces the risk of relapses in these conditions.

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