The clinical and prognostic value of antinuclear antibodies in NMO-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

In neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), the clinical and long-term prognostic value of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) is unclear. We analyzed registry data of NMO-IgG seropositive NMOSD patients (n = 74) according to ANA presence. The ANA-positive group (n = 32) demonstrated more frequent other autoantibodies (anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La, antiphospholipid, and anti-double stranded DNA antibodies) than did the ANA-negative group (n = 42). Clinically, annual relapse rates, and average lesion extents on MRI during attacks were comparable between the two groups (median follow-up of 7 years). The development of a poor outcome (walking with unilateral aid) also did not differ. In conclusion, although common, ANAs were not associated with a benign/malignant disease course in our NMOSD cohort.