Sociodemographic and Illness-Related Indicators to Predict the Status of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) Five Years after Disease Onset.

backgroundNeuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Currently, no factors have been identified to predict the long-term course of NMOSD. To counter this, we analyzed data of 58 individuals with NMOSD at disease onset and about five years later.

methodsMedical records of 58 individuals with NMOSD (mean age: 31.13 years at disease onset; 86.2% female) were retrospectively analyzed. At baseline, a thorough medical and disease-related examination was performed; the same examination was repeated about five years later at follow-up, including treatment-related information. Mean outcome measure was the difference in EDSS (Expanded Disease Severity Scale) scores between baseline and follow-up.

resultsMean disease duration was 4.67 years. Based on the differences of the EDSS scores between baseline and follow-up, participants were categorized as improving (

conclusionsAmong a smaller sample of individuals with NMOSD followed-up about five years later, individuals deteriorating over time reported a higher progression index, while the annualized relapse rate was unrelated to the progress of disease. Overall, it appears that the course of NMOSD over a time lapse of about five years after disease onset is highly individualized. Accordingly, treatment regimen demands a highly individually tailored approach.