The onset of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) at an older age is linked with a greater likelihood of spinal cord involvement at the first disease attack, fewer relapses, and greater disability, according to a study in China. “Age of disease onset correlates with clinical characteristics and prognostic outcomes…
Disease progression
The activation of two types of immune cells — called natural killer (NK) and natural killer T-cells (NKT) — may contribute to the abnormal immune attacks that drive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a study suggested. The profile of these cells in NMOSD patients differed notably from that observed…
People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are diagnosed with at least one non-immune system comorbidity, or simultaneous disease, are at a higher risk of vision loss and paralysis than those without such conditions, a study found. NMOSD patients with these comorbidities also were significantly more likely to…
People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and related neurological conditions show reduced brain volume compared with individuals without such diseases, a new study highlights. The results indicate that rates of volume loss in the thalamus — a brain region that helps to relay motor and sensory signals —…
People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have increased levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord — of three inflammatory biomarkers, a new study shows. The elevated concentrations of these biomarkers — YKL-40, sCD163, and sCD14 — also…
Brain age gap (BAG) — the difference between calendar age and predicted brain age as determined by MRI scans — was significant in adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and may predict disability in patients, a study found. The BAG was even greater in people with the related…
Neutrophils, a set of immune cells, from people with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are resistant to certain forms of cell death, a study found. NMOSD patients also had increased blood levels of molecules that might help neutrophils resist cell death pathways. Similar findings weren’t observed…
Rituximab may be effective for improving functionality in children with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) or other inflammatory neurological disorders, though more research is needed to identify optimal treatment regimens, a new study reports. “Efficacy of [rituximab] in specific indications and good tolerance are confirmed in pediatric neurology.
Optic nerve fiber damage is usually more severe in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) than with idiopathic optic neuritis, based on a clinical measure called visual evoked potential, a study shows. Results also suggest the recovery window after an acute NMOSD attack is shorter, highlighting the importance…
The approved therapy Edaravone, used for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and stroke, may be a promising treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), according to a new study. The use of edaravone in NMOSD cell and mouse models promoted restoration of the myelin sheath — damaged in immune attacks…
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