Neurology

A new ex vivo study shows that the AQP4-IgG/AQP4 immunocomplex-mediated cytokine response plays a vital role in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder pathogenesis. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease particularly affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. Unlike multiple sclerosis (MS), NMOSD exhibits unique clinical features and diagnostic criteria, with aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin...

A prospective observational study found serum albumin level to be a reliable and independent factor for predicting the response to immunotherapy in acute NMSOD patients. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) causes severe morbidity and disability. NMOSD is characterized by recurrent longitudinal extensive myelitis (LETM) and optical neuritis (ON) episodes. Acute attacks demand prompt intervention, typically...

Despite the approval of numerous disease-modifying biologics, knowledge gaps remain, and it is unclear when treatment should start. This review discusses the role of three different classes of biologics in managing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by severe inflammatory...

This study used resting fMRI in NMOSD patients to demonstrate reduced white matter functional connectivity, further confirming its correlation to cognitive impairment. While cognitive impairment (CI) has been reported in 29–70% of NMOSD patients, there is a lack of consensus regarding the correlation between imaging findings and CI. While brain lesions are observed in NMOSD...

A new prospective study found that both multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder lead to similar kinds of glymphatic impairments, despite etiological differences in the disease conditions. The glymphatic system, a recently recognized brain waste clearance system, plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health by facilitating the removal of waste products and maintaining...

A phase II trial confirms the efficacy and safety of frexalimab and its ability to reduce disease activity in patients living with relapsing MS, with considerable benefit compared to placebo. The CD40–CD40L (CD154) costimulatory pathway, which regulates adaptive and innate immune responses, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Elevated levels of...

A new preclinical study in an animal model found that stem cells and stem cell-derived exosomes may benefit those living with multiple sclerosis. The study found exomes as a promising emerging therapy with a better safety profile. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by the progressive destruction of myelin. This demyelination leads...

Multiple sclerosis treatment with interferon beta may infrequently cause thrombotic microangiopathy, resulting in acute kidney injury. However, a newly published literature review finds that early identification of the complication and treatment with eculizumab may help prevent end-stage renal disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, mostly affecting...

A cohort study found glial fibrillary acid protein may be a reliable cerebrospinal fluid biomarker for differentiating progressive multiple sclerosis from relapsing disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents a complex challenge in clinical management due to its varied progression patterns and the absence of precise biological markers to predict disease course. Two MS types, relapsing and...