Anti-thyroid antibodies and thyroid function in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are complex neuroautoimmune conditions.
• Thyroid-specific autoimmune disorders frequently co-occur with NMOSD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate thyroid function in NMOSD patients.
• To compare thyroid function between anti-thyroid antibody (ATAbs) seropositive and seronegative NMOSD patients.

Main Methods:

• 88 NMOSD patients underwent thyroid function evaluation.
• Patients were stratified based on ATAbs abnormalities.
• Demographics, clinical symptoms, and MRI findings were assessed.

Main Results:

• NMOSD patients exhibited higher frequencies of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAbs) compared to controls.
• ATAbs seropositive NMOSD patients had significantly higher disability scores (EDSS) and increased brain and cervical cord lesions on MRI.
• No significant differences were observed in demographic characteristics or other clinical symptoms.

Conclusions:

• NMOSD patients demonstrate a higher prevalence of ATAbs abnormalities.
• ATAbs positivity correlates with increased disability, brain lesions, and cervical cord lesions in NMOSD.