Neuromyelitis optica antibody (NMO-IgG) status in Indian patients with multiple sclerosis and allied demyelinating disorders

ABSTRACT

Clinical studies in India have consistently reported high incidence of optic nerve and spinal cord involvement in patients diagnosed to have multiple sclerosis (MS). Though speculated, it is not clear whether the neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum of disorders are responsible for this site specificity. Seventy eight patients with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features consistent with demyelinating disorders were evaluated for the presence of serum NMO-IgG (anti-AQP4 antibody). Of the patients, 54 (69%) patients belonged to the NMO spectrum disorders. NMO-IgG was positive in 3 female patients - one each of optic-spinal MS, NMO and recurrent acute transverse myelitis. In this small Indian series of MS and allied demyelinating disorders, NMO-IgG seropositivity was low.