A multi-facet comparative analysis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in patients with seropositive and seronegative AQP4-IgG

INTRODUCTION: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), a rare, serious, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is associated with immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies targeting aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG). This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of 67 patients. 49 and 18 of 67 cases (male/female: 11/56) were AQP4-IgG (+) and AQP4-IgG (−), respectively. The initial symptoms were optic neuritis [n = 34, AQP4-IgG (+)/(−): 31/3], myelitis [n = 18, AQP4-IgG(+)/(−): 13/5], co-occurrence of ON and myelitis [n = 15, AQP4-IgG (+)/(−): 5/10]. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of ages, and magnetic resonance imaging findings, but the patients had a significant difference (P <.05) in sex, the course of disease and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores after drug treatment. Patients with AQP4-IgG (−) are likely to have a better prognosis and a favorable monophasic course.