Mycophenolate Mofetil Effective in Treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica

the Neurology Advisor take:

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a safe and effective treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis. 

So-Young Huh, MD, of Kosin University College of Medicine in Busan, Korea, and colleagues evaluated the efficacy and safety of MMF for the treatment of NMOSD since the effectiveness of the treatment was only previously tested in a small number of studies.

The researchers reviewed the results of 59 patients with NMOSD, some with a limited form of the disorder, who were treated with MMF. The patients’ relapse rates and disability were measured and adverse effects were recorded.

Out of the original group, 58 patients were evaluated. The median post-treatment with MMF relapse rate was significantly lower than the pre-treatment relapse rate (0.0 vs 1.5;P < .001), and the Expanded Disability Status Scores of the patients also significantly decreased after treatment (3.0 vs 2.5; P = .005). 60% of patients were relapse free, and disability scores were stable or improved in 91% of patients. Overall, 14 patients discontinued MMF treatment due to various issues, including ongoing relapse, rash, pregnancy, and financial problems.

The researchers concluded that MMF treatment was well tolerated overall, reduced relapse rates, and improved or stabilized disability in patients with NMOSD.