Cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder from the East Africa region, highlighting challenges in diagnostics and healthcare access.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an auto-immune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with the IgG-antibody against aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG). There is little published epidemiology of NMOSD from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

We retrospectively collated NMOSD cases admitted to our tertiary regional neurology centre.

Results

We identified 11 cases (10 female, average age 30 years). 64% (7/11) were seropositive for AQP4-IgG, measured using indirect immunofluorescence. The remaining cases could either not afford tests, or had pathognomonic radiological features. 57% (4/7) of seropositive cases had concurrent/recent CNS infection. All patients were treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP), and 36% (4/11) al

SUBMITTER: Sokhi D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7844578 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature