A population-based study of neuromyelitis optica in Caucasians
- N. Asgari, MD,
- S.T. Lillevang, MD, PhD,
- H.P.B. Skejoe, MD,
- M. Falah, MD,
- E. Stenager, MD and
- K.O. Kyvik, MD, PhD
+ Author Affiliations
From the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic of Southern Jutland (Sonderborg, Vejle, Esbjerg) (N.A., E.S.), Denmark; Department of Clinical Immunology (S.T.L.), Department of Neurology (M.F.), and Odense Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN) (K.O.K.), Odense University Hospital, Odense; THAVA Imaging Diagnostic Centre (H.P.B.S.), Middelfart; and Institute of Regional Health Services Research (N.A., E.S., K.O.K.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Nasrin Asgari, Institute of Regional Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsloews Vej 9B, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark nasgari@health.sdu.dk
Abstract
Background: Epidemiologic studies have suggested different prevalence of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in different ethnic groups. However, data on the incidence and prevalence of NMO in Caucasians are scarce.
Objective: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of NMO in a predominantly Caucasian population based on the Wingerchuk 2006 criteria.
Methods: The study was a population-based retrospective case series with longitudinal follow-up. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), optic neuritis (ON), acute transverse myelitis (TM), and NMO from the 4 neurology and 3 ophthalmology departments in the Region of Southern Denmark having been diagnosed between 1998 and 2008 were investigated. Patients were included based on 1) episodes of ON or TM and 2) an initial brain MRI not diagnostic for MS. An immunofluorescence assay was used to determine aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) antibodies.
Results: A total of 477 patients with MS, TM, or ON were evaluated: 163 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 42 (26%) qualified for the diagnosis of NMO, 26 (62.0%) of these were AQP4 antibody positive. All except one were Caucasian, the female:male ratio was 2.8:1, and mean age at onset was 35.6 years (range 15–64 years). The clinical presentation was heterogeneous including TM, longitudinally extensive TM, ON, and brainstem syndromes. The yearly incidence rate of NMO in the population was estimated to be 0.4 per 105 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–0.54) and the prevalence was 4.4 per 105 (95% CI 3.1–5.7).
Conclusions: Despite being a rare disease, NMO is more common in a Caucasian population than earlier believed.
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