The Turkish experience of COVID-19 infection in people with NMOSD and MOGAD: A milder course

Canbaz Kabay S.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS, vol.58, no.103399, pp.103399, 2022 (Journal Indexed in SCI Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 58 Issue: 103399
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103399
  • Title of Journal : MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS
  • Page Numbers: pp.103399

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is a multisystemic infection with variables consequences depending on individual and

comorbid conditions. The course and outcomes of COVID-19 during neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

(NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorders (MOGAD) are not clearly

known.

Objective/methods: The aim of this study was to examine the features and outcomes of COVID-19 infection in

NMOSD and MOGAD patients. The patients’ demographic and clinical factors, disease modifying treatment 


2(DMT) used and disease information of COVID-19 infection were recorded. Conditions leading to hospitalization

and severe exposure to COVID-19 infection were also analyzed.

Results: The study included 63 patients from 25 centers. Thirty-two patients (50.8%) belong to AQP-4 seropos-

itive group, 13 (20.6%) and 18 (28.6%) were in MOG-positive and double-seronegative groups, respectively. Risk

factors for severe COVID-19 infection and hospitalization were advanced age, high disability level and the

presence of comorbid disease. Disease severity was found to be high in double-seronegative NMOSD and low in

MOGAD patients. No statistically significant effect of DMTs on disease severity and hospitalization was found.

Conclusion: In NMOSD and MOGAD patients, advanced age, high disability and presence of comorbid disease

pose risks for severe COVID-19 infection. There was no direct significant effect of DMTs for COVID-19 infection.