Multiple Sclerosis, Neuromyelitis Optica May Trigger Various Autoimmune Disorders
A recent study has revealed that patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) require heightened vigilance for the development of other autoimmune diseases.
A research team comprising Professor Juhong Min of the Department of Neurology and Professor Dongwook Shin of the Department of Family Medicine at Samsung Medical Center, Professor Soonok Kwon of the Department of Neurology at Inha University Hospital, and Professor Kyungdo Han of Soongsil University analyzed the risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Their findings were recently published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
According to the study, patients with multiple sclerosis were newly diagnosed with another autoimmune disease within an average follow-up period of 4.5 years, while those with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) received a diagnosis within an average of 4.3 years. In particular, patients with multiple sclerosis were found to have a 17.2-fold increased risk of being diagnosed with Behcet’s disease. Meanwhile, patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder exhibited an 82.6-fold increased risk of developing Sjogren’s syndrome and a 30.8-fold increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus. This study holds significance as the first to identify and quantify the risk of comorbid autoimmune diseases in Korean patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
Professor Juhong Min stated, “These findings suggest that we must be prepared for the potential development of additional autoimmune diseases even after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.” She added, “In treating these patients, it is important to consider the possibility of comorbid conditions and to establish a comprehensive, long-term management strategy.”