Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in Iran

Background: Neuromyelitys optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare demyelinating disease; as a result, the epidemiological data on this disorder is scarce. In this regard, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, serology, and clinical features of NMOSD in Caucasian population in Tehran, Iran. Method: A cross sectional study was performed in Tehran from 2015 to 2016 among patients registered with NMOSD diagnosis, based on consensus criteria published in 2015. The researchers designed a questionnaire to cover the important epidemiological and clinical data of NMOSD in Tehran. Structured face to face interviews were conducted with 103 patients by trained interviewers to collect the data. The logistic regression was applied in analysis via SPSS software package. Result: The prevalence of NMOSD in Tehran was 0.86 per 100,000 in 2016. Female to male ratio was 5: 1 with mean age at the disease onset of 31.54. NMO-IgG were positive in 44 (46.8%) patients, and the primary presenting symptoms of TM were observed in 29 (28.2%) patients. The adjusted odds ratio for sex was estimated for depression (OR = 6.83; 95% CI: 1.47, 31.71), migraine ( OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.42), and hypothyroidism (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.39). Conclusion: The researchers indicated that the rate of NMOSD is significantly higher among females and younger age group. In addition, the history of depression, migraine, and hypothyroidism has been observed more among female patients in comparison to male patients.