Comparison of clinical and laboratory characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with or without anti-connective tissue antibodies: an 18-month cohort follow-up - Report - MDSpire
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Comparison of clinical and laboratory characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with or without anti-connective tissue antibodies: an 18-month cohort follow-up
Clinical Report: Evaluation of Clinical and Laboratory Features in NMOSD
Overview
This study evaluates the role of anti-connective tissue antibodies in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) by analyzing clinical and laboratory data from 205 patients. Findings indicate that CTD abs positivity is associated with a more severe inflammatory profile but does not predict earlier relapse.
Background
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system, primarily driven by aquaporin-4 antibodies. Understanding the role of anti-connective tissue antibodies in NMOSD is crucial, as their presence may influence disease characteristics. Previous studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the impact of these antibodies on disease activity.
Data Highlights
Variable
CTD abs+ (n=108)
CTD abs− (n=97)
p-value
Lymphocyte counts
1.82 ± 0.14
1.73 ± 0.07
< 0.01
Monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio
0.27 (0.2)
0.24 (0.16)
0.037
CSF white blood cell counts
10 (22)
6 (18)
0.035
Oligoclonal band positivity
27.78%
10.31%
0.002
24-hour intrathecal IgG synthesis rate
54.6%
40.2%
0.039
CSF immunoglobulin levels
5.755 (6.37) mg/dL
4.15 (3.53) mg/dL
< 0.001
Key Findings
52.7% of patients were positive for anti-connective tissue antibodies (CTD abs+).
CTD abs+ patients had higher lymphocyte counts compared to CTD abs− patients (1.82 vs. 1.73, p < 0.01).
Higher monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios were observed in the CTD abs+ group (0.27 vs. 0.24, p = 0.037).
CTD abs+ patients exhibited higher CSF white blood cell counts (10 vs. 6/106/L, p = 0.035).
Oligoclonal band positivity was significantly higher in the CTD abs+ group (27.78% vs. 10.31%, p = 0.002).
CTD abs+ patients had higher Expanded Disability Status Scale scores at first relapse.
Clinical Implications
The presence of anti-connective tissue antibodies in NMOSD patients may indicate a more severe inflammatory profile. However, these antibodies do not appear to predict earlier relapses.
Conclusion
The study highlights the association between anti-connective tissue antibodies and increased inflammatory markers in NMOSD, while also clarifying that these antibodies do not predict earlier relapses.
