Genetic association studies in NMOSD needed

There are differences in prevalence and phenotype of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in people with different genetic backgrounds. Results from a population-based comparative study suggest differences even among Caucasian populations in Europe [1].

The potential geographical variation in prevalence and phenotype of NMOSD with aquaporin-4 antibody seropositivity among the adult (age ≥16) populations of Denmark and Hungary were compared. In total, 35 Danish and 99 Hungarian cases could be identified. The prevalence in Hungary compared to Denmark on 1 January 2014 was significantly higher: 1.39/100,000 (95% CI 1.11-1.71) versus 0.71/100,000 (95% CI 0.48-1.01) (P=0.0019). The most frequent onset attack in the Hungarian cohort was optic neuritis (n=41, 41% vs n=6, 17%; P=0.013), while transverse myelitis was the most common in the Danish cohort (n=21, 60% vs n=35, 35%; P=0.009). The Danish cohort was more affected by spinal cord damages. The authors concluded that their results substantiate the need for genetic association studies in NMOSD.

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   1. Papp V, et al. Abstract EPR3076, EAN 2020.

Posted on 10 September 202016 February 2024