Anti-AQP4 antibodies linked to relapses, visual disability: Study

Higher levels of self-reactive antibodies against aquaporin-4 protein (AQP4), which drives neuroinflammation in most cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), correlate with more severe relapses and visual disability, according to a large study. Even after treatment with immunosuppressive agents, patients with high anti-AQP4 antibodies experienced more severe relapses.

Factors that predict visual disability in NMOSD are many: Study

Having optic neuritis — inflammation of the nerves that relay information between the eyes and the brain — as a first symptom of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is one of the factors that predict visual disability in up to five years, according to a study in China. Other…