scholarly journals Pregnancy-Related Attack in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder With AQP4-IgG: A Single-Center Study and Meta-Analysis

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuwen Deng ◽  
Qiang Lei ◽  
Wei Lu

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristic of pregnancy-related attacks (PRAs) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). In addition, we investigated the predictors of PRAs as well as the effect of immunosuppressive (IS) therapy in patients with pregnancy-related NMOSD.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed data on clinical and diagnostic characteristics, therapeutic management, and pregnancy outcomes for PRAs in AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD patients admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Moreover, we searched the literature (without any temporal restriction) to identify all such similar cohorts and performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IS therapy on NMOSD patients with PRAs.ResultWe collected clinical data on 117 women with AQP4 antibody-positive NMOSD; we ultimately included 33 patients (34 pregnancies). Ten patients were relapse-free during pregnancy, and 23 (69.7%) had PRA; attacks were most common during the first trimester of the postpartum period. Maintenance of IS treatment during pregnancy was found to greatly reduce PRAs in patients with NMOSD. PRAs were associated with a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at relapse during pregnancy and shorter time interval between the last relapse and conception. The meta-analysis suggested that maintenance of IS treatment during pregnancy can significantly reduce the RR of NMOSD (95%CI=0.35-0.62; z=5.18, p<0.0001) and had no adverse effect on the miscarriage rate. However, the unhealthy newborn occurrence among those receiving IS treatment was 3.73 times higher than that of those not receiving treatment during pregnancy (95%CI=1.40–9.91; z=2.64, p=0.008).ConclusionOur study results demonstrates that pregnancy can induce the onset or relapse of attacks in NMOSD patients. The increased NLR value and disease activity may be a predictor for PRAs in patients with NMOSD. Moreover, administration of IS treatment during pregnancy can reduce the relapse rate. However, the dosage of drugs and risks of adverse effects to the fetus need to be considered. Future prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm and extend our findings.

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Kumar ◽  
Kelsey Graven ◽  
Nancy I. Joseph ◽  
John Johnson ◽  
Scott Fulton ◽  
...  

Abstract Stimulation of the immune response after vaccination can occasionally result in adverse effects, including demyelination of the central nervous system. The most common presentation of postvaccination demyelination is acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, but cases of optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and multiple sclerosis relapses have been reported. More recently, an increasing number of postvaccination neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) cases have surfaced in the literature, especially in patients with aquaporin-4 antibodies. In this article, we report an unusual case of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–related NMOSD after the receipt of multiple vaccines in a first-trimester pregnant woman from Africa. We review the reported cases of postvaccination demyelination in the past decade, with a focus on the relationship between NMOSD and vaccination in patients with aquaporin-4 or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies. Finally, we discuss the clinical relevance of the present case and similar reported cases as it relates to patient care in the neuroimmunology clinic and identify potential areas for future research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175628642110567
Author(s):  
Hao Wang ◽  
Juanping Zhou ◽  
Yi Li ◽  
Lili Wei ◽  
Xintong Xu ◽  
...  

Background: The adverse events (AEs) of rituximab (RTX) for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are incompletely understood. Aim: To collate information on the reported the AEs of RTX in NMOSD and assess the quality of evidence. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, CBM, CNKI, VIP, clinicaltrials.gov, and so on were searched for studies with control groups as well as for case series that had assessed the RTX-associated AEs. The incidence of AEs and the comparison of AE risks among different therapies were pooled. The GRADE was developed for evidence quality. Results: A total of 3566 records were identified. Finally, 36 studies (4 RCTs, 6 crochet studies, 2 NRCTs, and 24 case series), including 1542 patients (1299 females and 139 males), were included for final analyses. Rates of patients with any AEs, any serious AEs (SAEs), infusion-related AEs, any infection, respiratory infection, urinary infection, and death were 28.57%, 5.66%, 27.01%, 17.36%, 4.76%, 4.76%, and 0.17%, respectively. The results from subgroup analysis showed that AE rates were most likely not associated with covariates such as duration of illness and study designs. Very low-quality evidence suggested that the risk ratios (RR) of any AEs (0.84, 95% CI = 00.42–1.69, p = 0.62) and any infections (1.24 95% CI = 0.18–8.61) of RTX were similar to that of azathioprine, and the RR of any AEs of RXT was akin to that of mycophenolate mofetil (0.66, 95% CI = 0.32–1.35 p = 0.26). Evidence of low to high quality showed the lower RR of RTX in other AEs, but not in infusion-related AEs. Strategies to handle AEs focused on symptomatic treatments. Conclusions: RTX is mostly safer than other immunosuppressants in NMOSD: the incidence of RTX-associated AEs was not high, and when present, the AEs were usually mild or moderate and could be well controlled. Given its efficacy and safety, RTX could be recommended as a first-line treatment for NMOSD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 2094-2102
Author(s):  
Punchika Kosiyakul ◽  
Sakdipat Songwisit ◽  
Patompong Ungprasert ◽  
Sasitorn Siritho ◽  
Naraporn Prayoonwiwat ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (12) ◽  
pp. 1354-1361

Background: Painful tonic spasm (PTS) is a complication frequently observed in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Objective: To identify the prevalence of PTS, compare the factors associated with the occurrence of PTS, define the characteristics of PTS, and correlate the medication and prognostic factors with good recovery from PTS in patients with NMOSD. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed in patients with definite NMOSD in the Prasat Neurological Institute between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. The prevalence and characteristics of PTS were explored. The characteristics and factors associated with the occurrence of PTS were investigated. Moreover, the factors associated with PTS recovery and pain medications were further analyzed in the present study. Results: The prevalence of PTS in patients with NMOSD was 37.81%. The factors associated with the occurrence of PTS were the presence of acute myelitis (p=0.002, OR 39.00, 95% CI 3.89 to 391.23), and tobacco use (p=0.048, OR 13.38, 95% CI 1.02 to 175.52). In the subgroup analyses of the factors associated with PTS recovery, plasma exchange (p=0.007, OR 24.70, 95% CI 2.43 to 251.57), and Expanded Disability Status Scale range 1.0 to 4.5 (p=0.008, OR 6.92, 95% CI 1.67 to 28.65) were related to the recovery from PTS. While non-recovery was correlated with older age at last visit (p=0.013, OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17) and longer segments of cord lesions (p=0.016, OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.42). Conclusion: The present study supports that PTS is one of the common complications in patients with NMOSD in Thailand. The presence of acute myelitis and the tobacco use are associated with the presence of PTS. Plasma exchange treatment in the acute phase of NMOSD may be associated with good recovery from PTS, and longer segments of spinal cord lesions is correlated with poor recovery outcomes. The control of these factors may prevent the occurrence of PTS or at least facilitate the recovery from PTS in these patients. Keywords: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), Painful tonic spasm (PTS)


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