The Strategy of Treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
So-young Huh, MD1, Su-Hyun Kim, MD2, Ho Jin Kim, MD, PhD2
Department of Neurology, 1Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan; 2Research Institute and Hospital of National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of central nerve system that is
characterized by severe optic neuritis and transeverse myelitis. Since the discovery of anti-aquaporin
4 antibodies, the concept of NMO has expanded as a NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD),
which is distinct from multiple sclerosis. As NMOSD often causes severe disability, early initiation of
effective therapy is very important to prevent attack-related disability. Although there are no level I or
II evidence studies for NMO treatment, cumulated clinical experience for NMO treatment over the
last decade brought growing body of evidence for the use of immunosuppressive agents. We review
the various therapeutic options for NMOSD and propose treatment strategies based on previous
reports.
Journal of Multiple Sclerosis 6(1):1-8, 2015
