Margarida Maia, PhD, science writer —

People having area postrema syndrome (APS), that is, uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, or hiccups, as the first symptom of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are more likely to relapse sooner and more frequently than those having another first symptom. These are the main findings of a single-center study that retrospectively…

People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have significantly lower vitamin D levels in their blood than do healthy individuals, according to a meta-analysis of data from studies covering more than 900 people in Asia. While the findings don’t prove that vitamin D deficiency causes NMOSD, they call attention…

Most neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients who start taking Enspryng (satralizumab) remain free of relapses for at least a year, with some being able to stop treatment with oral glucocorticoids, according to a study of real-world data. The findings are consistent with those of SAkuraStar (NCT02073279)…

People who develop neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) at an older age are more likely to experience spinal cord inflammation and less likely to have eye nerve involvement, not only in the first attack but also in subsequent relapses, a study has found. In addition, data show “different relapse…

Tocilizumab, an anti-inflammatory medication used off-label for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), can help prevent relapses (flare-ups) and ease disability while being generally safe, according to a meta-analysis. The study, “Tocilizumab treatment in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Updated meta-analysis of efficacy and safety,” was published in the journal…

Health Canada has approved Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) to treat adults in the country with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who test positive for disease-driving anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies. The decision adds Canada to the list of nations where the medication is now available. The intravenous or into-the-vein infusion, developed by…

About 1 in 10 people who are hospitalized for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, or about one month after discharge, a U.S. study found. Older patients — specifically those in the age range of 65 to 74 — and individuals who…

People with a genetic makeup that causes them to be more susceptible to COVID-19 are nearly five times as likely to develop neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) associated with antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a study finds. Evidence for a cause and effect, or causal, link between COVID-19 and NMOSD…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked for modifications to the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy — known as REMS — for Ultomiris (ravulizumab) before approving the therapy for most adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Ultomiris already is available in the U.S. for treating…

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is associated with a faster loss of white matter volume in the brain, but taking the corticosteroid prednisolone may help counter this effect, according to a small study in Japan. The brain’s white matter contains the long, wire-like projections, or fibers, that nerves use…