Early indicators of relapses vs pseudorelapses in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The purpose of this study was to review cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) relapses and pseudorelapses to identify early features that differentiate between them at onset of symptoms.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 74 hospitalizations of patients with NMOSD who were admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital for workup and treatment of a presumed relapse. Standard workup included MRI and blood and urine testing for metabolic and infectious etiologies. The gold standard for a relapse was defined as new or worsening symptoms and a change in neurologic examination correlating with a new or enhancing MRI lesion. A pseudorelapse was a clinical exacerbation with similar symptoms and signs but the MRI was negative, and workup identified an a

SUBMITTER: Kessler RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4966291 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature