Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in Iran

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare demyelinating disease with limited epidemiological data.
• Understanding NMOSD prevalence and characteristics is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of NMOSD in the Caucasian population of Tehran, Iran.
• To investigate the serological and clinical features of NMOSD in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study conducted in Tehran from 2015-2016.
• Data collected through face-to-face interviews with 103 NMOSD patients using a structured questionnaire.
• Analysis performed using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of NMOSD in Tehran was 0.86 per 100,000 in 2016.
• A female to male ratio of 5:1 was observed, with a mean age at onset of 31.54 years.
• NMO-IgG positivity was found in 46.8% of patients; transverse myelitis was the primary symptom in 28.2%.

Conclusions:

• NMOSD demonstrates a significantly higher prevalence in females and younger individuals.
• Female patients showed a higher incidence of comorbid depression, migraine, and hypothyroidism.