Late Onset of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. NMOSD starting after the age of 50 years is considered a "late onset" (LO-NMOSD) and seems to be particularly aggressive. The objective of this paper is to present a series of 37 Brazilian patients with LO-NMOSD.

Retrospective data collection from medical records of patients with LO-NMOSD seen at 14 Brazilian specialized units.

The ratio of women to men in the sample was 4.3 to 1. The patients were followed up for a median period of 4 years. Sex, age at disease onset, and ethnic background were not associated with the number of relapses or disability outcomes. Extensive longitudinal myelitis affected 86% of patients, while optic neuritis affected 70%, and brainstem syndromes were present in only 16% of these patients. Six patients are currently using some type of support for walking or are wheelchair-bound. Three have died. Therapeutic options for NMOSD were particularly complicated for these elderly patients, since medications for controlling NMOSD are, in essence, immunosuppressive. Long-term use of corticosteroids can be an issue when the patients have high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia (conditions often seen in elderly individuals).

This series of LO-NMOSD cases highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment for these patients.