Clinical and therapeutic predictors of disease outcomes in AQP4-IgG+ neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Amy Kunchok, Charles Malpas, Petra Nytrova, Eva Kubala Havrdova, Raed Alroughani, Murat Terzi, Bassem Yamout, Jyh Yung Hor, Rana Karabudak, Cavit Boz, Serkan Ozakbas, Javier Olascoaga, Magdolna Simo, Franco Granella, Francesco Patti, Pamela McCombe, Tunde Csepany, Bhim Singhal, Roberto Bergamaschi, Yara FragosoTalal Al-Harbi, Recai Turkoglu, Jeannette Lechner-Scott, Guy Laureys, Celia Oreja-Guevara, Eugenio Pucci, Patrizia Sola, Diana Ferraro, Ayse Altintas, Aysun Soysal, Steve Vucic, Francois Grand'Maison, Guillermo Izquierdo, Sara Eichau, Alessandra Lugaresi, Marco Onofrj, Maria Trojano, Mark Marriott, Helmut Butzkueven, Ilya Kister, Tomas Kalincik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Aquaporin-4-IgG positive (AQP4-IgG+) Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is an uncommon central nervous system autoimmune disorder. Disease outcomes in AQP4-IgG+NMOSD are typically measured by relapse rate and disability. Using the MSBase, a multi-centre international registry, we aimed to examine the impact immunosuppressive therapies and patient characteristics as predictors of disease outcome measures in AQP4-IgG+NMOSD. Method: This MSBase cohort study of AQP4-IgG+NMOSD patients examined modifiers of relapse in a multivariable proportional hazards model and expanded disability status score (EDSS) using a mixed effects model. Results: 206 AQP4-IgG+ patients were included (median follow-up 3.7 years). Age (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.82 per decade, p = 0.001), brainstem onset (HR = 0.45, p = 0.009), azathioprine (HR = 0.46, p<0.001) and mycophenolate mofetil (HR = 0.09, p = 0.012) were associated with a reduced risk of relapse. A greater EDSS was associated with age (β = 0.45 (per decade), p<0.001) and disease duration (β = 0.07 per year, p<0.001). A slower increase in EDSS was associated with azathioprine (β = -0.48, p<0.001), mycophenolate mofetil (β = -0.69, p = 0.04) and rituximab (β = -0.35, p = 0.024). Interpretation: This study has demonstrated that azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil reduce the risk of relapses and disability progression is modified by azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab. Age and disease duration were the only patient characteristics that modified the risk of relapse and disability in our cohort.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101868
Number of pages8
JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
Volume38
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2020

Keywords

  • Disability
  • Immunosuppression
  • Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
  • Predictors
  • Relapses
  • Therapy

Cite this