Abstract
BackgroundThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been investigated in many autoimmune conditions as a biomarker of inflammation and/or disease activity. The role of NLR in AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is far from clear. In this study, NLR was evaluated in patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD at disease onset and its prognostic impact was subsequently assessed.MethodsIn this multicenter study, we retrospectively included all recent/newly diagnosed treatment-naïve patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD (n=90) from three different countries in Latin America (LATAM): Argentina, Ecuador, and Mexico. NLR was compared between AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD and healthy controls (HC, n = 365). Demographic, clinical, paraclinical (including imaging), and prognostic data at 12 and 24 months were also evaluated. Multivariate regression analysis was used to describe and identify independent associations between the log-transformed NLR and clinical (relapses and EDSS) and imaging (new/enlarging and/or contrast-enhancing MRI lesions) outcomes.ResultsNLR was higher in NMOSD patients during the first attack compared with HC (2.9 ± 1.6 vs 1.8 ± 0.6; p<0.0001). Regardless of immunosuppressant’s initiation at disease onset, NLR remained higher in NMOSD patients at 12 (2.8 ± 1.3; p<0.0001) and 24 (3.1 ± 1.6; p<0.0001) months. No association was found at 12 and 24 months between the log-transformed NLR and the presence of relapses, new/enlarging and/or contrast-enhancing MRI lesions, and/or physical disability.ConclusionsIn this cohort of LATAM patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD, NLR was abnormally high in attacks but also during follow-up. However, a high NLR was not an independent predictor of clinical or imaging outcomes in our models.
Highlights
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare and disabling condition characterized by inflammatory attacks, especially involving the optic nerves and spinal cord [1]
In a mouse model of AQP4-ab-positive NMOSD, reduced neuroinflammation and AQP4 loss was reported in neutropenic mice and, on the contrary, granulocyte colony stimulating factor increased the severity of NMOSD lesions [14]
We further explored the association of Neutrophilto-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) assuming a Poisson distribution and dichotomizing it
Summary
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare and disabling condition characterized by inflammatory attacks, especially involving the optic nerves and spinal cord [1]. In a mouse model of AQP4-ab-positive NMOSD, reduced neuroinflammation and AQP4 loss was reported in neutropenic mice and, on the contrary, granulocyte colony stimulating factor increased the severity of NMOSD lesions [14]. These lesions decreased after the administration of neutrophil protease inhibitors [14]. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been investigated in many autoimmune conditions as a biomarker of inflammation and/or disease activity. The role of NLR in AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is far from clear. NLR was evaluated in patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD at disease onset and its prognostic impact was subsequently assessed
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