Pathology

Aquaporin

Eculizumab

Neuromyelitis optica

Physiology

Complement system

Psychiatry

Aquaporin 4

Antibody

Immunology

Spectrum disorder

Medicine

New England Journal of Medicine

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a relapsing, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder that typically affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. At least two thirds of cases are associated with aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-IgG) and complement-mediated damage to the central nervous system. In a previous small, open-label study involving patients with AQP4-IgG–positive disease, eculizumab, a terminal complement inhibitor, was shown to reduce the frequency of relapse.

Eculizumab in Aquaporin-4–Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder