Altintas A.Karabudak R.Balca B.P.Terzi M.Soysal A.Saip S.Kurne A.T.Uygunoglu U.Nalbantoglu M.Celik G.G.Isik N.Celik Y.Gokcay F.Duman T.Boz C.Yucesan C.Mangan M.S.Celebisoy N.Diker S.Isikay I.C.Kansu T.Siva A.2019-10-262019-10-2620151074-7931https://doi.org/10.1097/NRL.0000000000000057https://hdl.handle.net/11454/17385Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an immune-mediated, chronic relapsing, inflammatory disease characterized by severe attacks of optic neuritis and myelitis. Objective: To determine the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features; antibody status; and treatment modalities of patients with NMO and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in a Turkish cohort from 11 centers. Methods: A total of 182 patients were included in this study. Data on age at disease onset, sex, type of attacks, clinical presentation, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, serum antiaquaporin-4 antibody status, annual progression index, and medical and family histories were collected. Results: Mean age was 38.43 ± 12.40 years (range, 13 to 75 y), and mean age at disease onset was 31.29 ± 12.40 years (median, 29 y; range, 10 to 74 y). In NMO group, the rate of NMO immunoglobulin (Ig)G positivity was 62.5%. The annual progression index was significantly higher in the longitudinally extending spinal cord lesion. The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score was higher in the late than early-onset NMO group. Conclusion: Our results revealed a lower rate of NMO IgG positivity, more severe disability in patients with NMO/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders presenting with either transverse myelitis or lateonset NMO, and no correlation between disability and NMO IgG status. © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.en10.1097/NRL.0000000000000057info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAquaporin-4 antibodyClinical findingsLate onsetNeuromyelitis opticaNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorderPrognosisArticle204616626468870Q3