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Published on: August 21, 2017
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Case Report: Interferon-Alpha-Induced Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
1Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China.
Frontiers in Neurology
|May 13, 2022
Summary
Interferon-alpha (IFNα) can induce neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a rare condition. Early monitoring for NMOSD symptoms during IFNα treatment is crucial due to high disability rates.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Interferon-alpha (IFNα) is a therapeutic cytokine used for various conditions, but can have adverse effects.
Observation:
- A case study identified a 24-year-old male developing NMOSD after 18 months of IFNα-2b treatment, presenting with myelitis and positive for anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG).
- A literature review of eight additional cases revealed a median onset age of 59 years and a median IFNα exposure of 18 months.
- Optic neuritis was the most frequent initial symptom (55.6%), followed by myelitis and area postrema syndrome.
Findings:
- IFNα discontinuation and immunotherapy, including methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin, led to gradual improvement in the presented case.
- The majority of patients (77.8%) in the review remained relapse-free after treatment, but only one patient was free of sequelae.
- The anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) is a key biomarker for diagnosing IFNα-induced NMOSD.
Implications:
- This study underscores the potential risk of developing NMOSD during interferon-alpha therapy.
- Awareness and vigilant monitoring for early NMOSD manifestations are essential for patients undergoing IFNα treatment.
- Prompt recognition and management of drug-induced NMOSD can mitigate long-term disability.
