Factors Associated with Altered Quality of Life in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in a Tunisian Cohort

• Published in: Multiple sclerosis and related disorders 2023-12, Vol.80, p.105244, Article 105244
• Main Authors: Chaibi, Azza, Mohamed, Dina Ben, Majoul, Slim, Zouari, Rania, Rachdi, Amine, Said, Zakari, Nabli, Fatma, Sassi, Samia Ben
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2211-0348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105244

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that negatively affect the quality of life during patient's life time. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the neurology department of the National Institute of Neurology Mongi Ben Hamida of Tunis among patients meeting Wingerchuck et al (2015) criteria for anti-aquaporine 4 positive (AQP4+) NMOSD and Banwell et al (2023) for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). The demographic, clinical and radiological data were assessed. The arabic version of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) score was applied. Written consent was obtained from all participants. Among the 43 patients included, 24 female participants were diagnosed with AQP4+ NMOSD and 3 male patients met the criteria for double seronegative NMOSD. Sixteen patients had MOGAD with a sex-ratio of 0.33. The mean age of onset was 38 years (interquartile range (IQR) =19) with myelitis being the inaugural in 55.8% (n=24) of patients. The mean Expanded Disability status scale (EDSS) at the first evaluation was 2 (IQR=2.25). The mean SF-36 score in our population was 59 (IQR=8.5). Our study found that the lack of social and familial support was strongly correlated to higher SF-36 total score (p=0.007),lower mental health subscore (0.012), a higher EDSS score at the moment of evaluation (p