Research Information System
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS, vol.58, no.103399, pp.103399, 2022 (SCI-Expanded)
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.