Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a
debilitating autoimmune condition that, without timely intervention,
can lead to severe disability or even death. Neuromyelitis optica
spectrum disorder is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous
system characterized by severe attacks such as optic neuritis and
transverse myelitis. This study compared the short- and long-term effects
of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) and IVMP+plasma
exchange (PLEX) treatment regimens.
Methods: The study evaluated changes in patients’ Expanded Disability
Status Scale (EDSS) scores over a six-month follow-up period by using
different ANOVA and linear regression methods.
Results: Both IVMP and IVMP+PLEX treatments resulted in clinical
improvement, with the addition of PLEX showing a more significant
reduction in EDSS scores, particularly during the long follow-up period.
Moreover, seropositive patients (AQP4/MOG-IgG positive) demonstrated
a better response to treatment. Age and baseline EDSS scores were
identified as key factors influencing post-treatment improvement.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that the addition of PLEX to IVMP
treatment might be suitable especially for severe NMOSD attacks.
Keywords: Intravenous methylprednisolone, NMOSD, NMOSD attacks,
plasma exchange