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The risk of multiple sclerosis developing in patients with isolated idiopathic optic neuritis in Brazil
M A Lana-Peixoto1, M I Lana-Peixoto
1Department of Neurology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brasil.
Abstract:
We studied 88 patients with isolated idiopathic optic neuritis (IION) in order to evaluate the rate of progression to multiple sclerosis (MS) in Brazil. The patients were reassessed from one month to nine years after the development of the IION (mean follow-up was 4.6 years). There were 52 men and 36 women with ages ranging from three to 59 years (mean 24.3 years). Bilateral optic neuritis occurred in 19 patients whereas sequential involvement of the fellow eye after an interval longer than four weeks occurred in other 19 patients. Recurrences in the same eye occurred in seven cases. Nine patients (10.8%) developed clinically definitive MS--13.9% of the women and 7.7% of the men with IION. The median age at the time of diagnosis of MS was 25 years. The mean interval between IION and the emergence of other MS signs varied from one month to five years--median one year. Sixty-seven percent of these patients developed signs of spinal cord involvement. Our findings when compared to published series in different countries are closer to figures reported in Japan than those in the West.
Insights
This study tracked 88 patients with isolated idiopathic optic neuritis (IION) in Brazil. Over a 4.6-year follow-up, 10.8% developed multiple sclerosis (MS), with higher rates in women.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Isolated idiopathic optic neuritis (IION) is a significant neurological condition.
- Understanding its progression to multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial for patient management and prognosis.
- Previous studies have shown varying rates of MS development following IION across different global populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the rate of conversion from isolated idiopathic optic neuritis (IION) to clinically definitive multiple sclerosis (MS) in a Brazilian cohort.
- To compare these findings with international data.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 88 patients diagnosed with IION in Brazil was retrospectively studied.
- Patients were followed for a mean period of 4.6 years (range: 1 month to 9 years).
- Data on demographics, clinical presentation, and development of new neurological signs consistent with MS were collected.
Main Results:
- Nine patients (10.8%) progressed to clinically definitive MS.
- The conversion rate was higher in women (13.9%) than in men (7.7%).
- The median age at MS diagnosis was 25 years, with a median interval of 1 year between IION onset and other MS signs. Spinal cord involvement was observed in 67% of those who developed MS.
Conclusions:
- The rate of MS development after IION in Brazil is comparable to figures reported in Japan, differing from Western data.
- IION serves as an important predictor for MS, particularly in women.
- Long-term follow-up is essential for patients with IION to monitor for MS development, especially spinal cord symptoms.