Plasma Homocysteine Level Is Associated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been investigated among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the changes in Hcy levels and the association between Hcy levels and inflammatory/immune/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients have not been investigated yet.

METHODS

Case data were collected from 97 acute-phase NMOSD patients and 39 stable-phase NMOSD patients. Patients in the acute phase were divided into 2 groups based on the EDSS score with cutoff equal to 4. Hcy levels, immunoglobulins (Ig) A, G, and M, complement 3 and 4, CH50, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and CSF examination including white blood cells and total protein were determined.

RESULTS

No significant differences in Hcy levels are observed between acute-phase and stable-phase NMOSD patients. Hcy and ESR levels were significantly higher in acute-phase NMOSD patients with EDSS score ≥4. Besides, EDSS is positively correlated with Hcy level, ESR, 1/aquaporin-4 titer and Hcy level is negatively correlated with IgM in acute-phase NMOSD patients.

CONCLUSION

Elevated plasma Hcy has the potential to affect the pathogenesis or progression of NMOSD.