Quantitative analysis of aquaporin-4 antibody in longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis

J Neuroimmunol. 2015 Jan 15:278:26-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.12.006. Epub 2014 Dec 5.

Abstract

Aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) antibody-positive longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is referred to as a neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorder. We conducted an exploratory investigation of correlations between AQP-4 antibody serum levels, as determined by a fluorescent immunoprecipitation assay, and clinical characteristics in LETM. Expanded Disability Status Scores (EDSS) scores and number of segments of spinal cord involved were positively correlated to AQP-4 antibody levels. However, serum AQP-4 antibody levels were not correlated with the time to next attack or the conversion time of LETM to NMO, although seropositive LETM patients demonstrated a high conversion rate to NMO (78.1%).

Keywords: Aquaporin-4 antibody; Clinical features; Fluorescence immunoprecipitation assay; Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis; Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aquaporin 4 / immunology*
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Linear Models
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelitis, Transverse / blood*
  • Myelitis, Transverse / immunology*

Substances

  • Aquaporin 4
  • Autoantibodies