May 30, 2022
Patients With NMOSD at Risk of Poor COVID-19 Outcomes
Patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) may be prone to experiencing worse COVID-19 outcomes. As an autoimmune disease, NMOSD is detrimental to the optic nerve and central nervous system. Patients with NMOSD may experience disease onset at a later age, have comorbidities, and often be treated with immunosuppressive therapy, such as rituximab, azathioprine, mycophenolate...
Reducing Pregnancy-Related Attacks From NMOSD
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system and can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women. The effects of NMOSD can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus, with an increased risk of relapse and disability. While immunosuppressive therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for pregnant...
Differences in the Pathogenesis of NMOSD
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disorder that manifests as inflammation of the optic nerves and central nervous system. Cases of NMOSD can typically be diagnosed with an antibody test for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) or aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Most cases are AQP4 antibody–seropositive NMOSD, with a mean age of onset of 40 years...
Is Race Linked to Worse NMOSD Outcomes?
The prevalence of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is higher in racial minority groups than in white populations, with varying disease manifestations and severity. Moreover, limited data suggest that NMOSD has an earlier age of onset and tends to have worse outcomes in racial minorities. This retrospective study, published in Neurology, sought to address doubts and...
Systemic Corticosteroids Tied to Vaso-Occlusive Episodes in Sickle Cell
For patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), systemic corticosteroid exposure is associated with an increased risk for hospitalization for vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs), according to a study published in Blood. Ondine Walter, from Toulouse University Hospital in France, and colleagues examined the risk for hospitalization for VOE associated with systemic corticosteroid exposure in patients with SCD....
Male Teens With Sickle Cell Disease Unaware of Related Fertility Issues
Many adolescent and young men with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their caregivers are unaware of fertility concerns associated with the disease, according to a study published in Blood Advances. Leena Nahata, M.D., from The Ohio State University in Columbus, and colleagues conducted a pilot trial to examine knowledge and perspectives on fertility testing among...