The effect of smoking on MRI lesion resolution in NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD

David Berhanu1,2, Miguel Leal Rato1,2, Silvia Messina1,3

  • 1Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|August 2, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Smoking worsens MRI lesion resolution in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with aquaporin-4 positive antibody (NMOSD-AQP4) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Better lesion resolution correlates with improved clinical recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Central Nervous System (CNS) Inflammatory Diseases
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • The impact of smoking on MRI lesion resolution in NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD remains uninvestigated.
  • Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and MOGAD are distinct autoimmune conditions affecting the CNS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the effect of smoking on MRI lesion resolution in NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD patients.
  • To assess the correlation between MRI lesion resolution and clinical recovery post-relapse.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study design was employed, including patients with NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD.
  • Data collected included demographics, clinical information, MRI scans (acute and follow-up), and smoking status.
  • Logistic regression models analyzed the association between smoking and lesion resolution, and lesion resolution with clinical recovery.

Main Results:

  • 105 patients were analyzed (57 NMOSD-AQP4, 48 MOGAD).
  • Current and past smoking significantly increased the risk of persistent MRI lesions in both NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD (RR = 3.4).
  • MRI lesion resolution was associated with better clinical recovery (RR = 1.9).

Conclusions:

  • Smoking is linked to poorer MRI lesion resolution in NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD.
  • MRI lesion resolution is a predictor of clinical recovery.
  • Findings indicate a detrimental role of smoking in inflammatory CNS diseases.