[National clinical investigation of anti-aquaporin-4 seropositive optic neuritis].

PURPOSE: We carried out a national clinical investigation of anti-aquaporin-4 seropositive optic neuritis which is resistant to steroid pulse therapy.

METHODS

A questionnaire of clinical training institutions authorized by the Japanese Ophthalmological Society regarding anti-aquaporin-4 seropositive optic neuritis.

RESULTS

We received responses from 44 facilities (40%). There were 188 anti-aquaporin-4 seropositive cases (24 men, 162 women), with a mean age of 52.4 +/- 15.5 (14-88 years old, median 54). Visual acuity at the time of the first medical examination was 3.4 to -0.18 logMAR (median 1.30) and at the last 3.4 to -0.18 logMAR (median 0.70). The average number of times of recurrence and steroid pulse therapy were 1.5 +/- 2.3 (median 1) and 3.3 +/- 4.1 (median 2) respectively. There was no significant difference in visual acuity between patients who received additional therapy such as plasma exchange therapy and immunoadsorption therapy and patients who were not treated additionally.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical characteristics of anti-aquaporin-4 seropositive optic neuritis were revealed. A well-designed prospective study is needed to obtain evidence of availability of plasma exchange therapy and other related issues.