Evidence for and against subclinical disease activity and progressive disease in MOG antibody disease and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) and aquaporin-4 IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD) are generally considered to be relapsing disorders, without clinical progression or subclinical disease activity outside of clinical relapses, in contrast to multiple sclerosis (MS). With advances in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, prolonged periods of remission without relapses can be achieved, and the question of whether progressive disease courses can occur has re-emerged. In this review, we focus on studies exploring evidence for and against relapse-independent clinical progression and/ or subclinical disease activity in patients with MOGAD and AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD.

Automated summary

MOGAD and AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD are generally relapsing disorders with potential for prolonged periods of remission, unlike multiple sclerosis. Recent studies have explored evidence for progressive disease courses in these conditions.