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Published on: April 14, 2014
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Optic neuritis in Hong Kong: a 1-year follow-up study
Patrick P K Lau1, Gordon S K Yau, Jacky W Y Lee
1Department of Medicine and Geriatric, Caritas Medical Centre, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China.
International Ophthalmology
|April 15, 2014
Summary
This study on optic neuritis in Chinese patients found most cases remain as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). However, some progress to multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Optic neuritis (ON) is a significant cause of vision loss.
- Understanding the etiology and prevalence of ON in diverse populations is crucial for effective management.
- Chinese populations may exhibit distinct ON etiological patterns compared to Western cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes and frequency of optic neuritis in a Chinese population.
- To determine the long-term outcomes of optic neuritis in this demographic.
- To identify risk factors for developing multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 30 patients with first or recurrent optic neuritis in Hong Kong.
- Diagnostic workup included serology for neuromyelitis optica IgG, oligoclonal bands, MRI, CT, visual field, and OCT.
- Patients were followed for 1 year post-initial attack.
Main Results:
- 73.3% of patients remained as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) after 1 year.
- 10% developed multiple sclerosis (MS).
- 10% were diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and 6.7% with NMO-spectrum disorder.
Conclusions:
- Acute unilateral optic neuritis in the Chinese population is predominantly CIS.
- A notable fraction of patients progress to MS or NMO-related disorders.
- Systemic workups are essential for early diagnosis and management of optic neuritis patients.
