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Neuromyelitis optica: current concepts and prospects for future management
Ribhi Hazin1, Faisal Khan, M Tariq Bhatti
1Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|August 22, 2009
Summary
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) presents with severe neurological and ocular symptoms, often mimicking multiple sclerosis. Early diagnosis and current treatments can manage NMO, but a cure is lacking, necessitating further drug development.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is a severe autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system.
- NMO carries significant risks of neurological, ocular, and systemic morbidity.
- Relapsing courses in NMO can be misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of NMO clinical manifestations.
- To update on current NMO management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical manifestations.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria including serological testing and MRI.
- Evaluation of current therapeutic agents and symptomatic treatments.
Main Results:
- NMO clinical features include visual loss, ataxia, asthenia, paralysis, and sensory deficits.
- Severe NMO can lead to bladder/bowel dysfunction and respiratory failure.
- Distinguishing NMO from MS requires careful assessment of clinical, serological, and imaging findings.
Conclusions:
- Current treatments can control NMO in many patients, but prognosis remains poor without a cure.
- There is a critical need for novel drug development and clinical trials for improved NMO treatment strategies.
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