Abstract Neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune disorder characterized by optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and aquaporin-4 autoantibodies.
Background: Antibodies to aquaporin-4 (AQP4-Ab), known as NMO-IgG, are a sensitive and specific marker for neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
Objective: To determine anti-AQP4 antibody status in Thai patients with demyelinating diseases. Methods: Blood samples of patients visiting MS clinic at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand were collected and sent to Tohoku University for testing anti-AQP4 antibodies using AQP4-transfected cell-based assay. Diagnosis was as follows
Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an aggressive devastating autoimmune disorder affecting predominantly optic nerves and the spinal cord. We are able to assess the serum antibodies against aquaporin 4 (anti-AQP4 Ab, also known as NMO-IgG), which are highly sensitive and specific for NMO.
BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a severe demyelinating disease, represents itself with optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Serum NMO-IgG autoantibodies (Abs), a specific finding in NMO patients, target the water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4), which is expressed as a long (M-1) or a short (M-23) isoform.
Objective: To estimate the frequency and prognostic value of NMO-IgG seropositivity in patients presenting with isolated optic neuritis (ON) and no prior neurological events. Background: The aquaporin-4-specific autoantibody, NMO-IgG, is a biomarker for neuromyelitis optica (NMO). We have shown that 38% of patients with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) and 20% of recurrent ON are seropositive and are at high risk for recurrence of ON and myelits