title: Immunoablative cyclophosphamide for refractory lupus-related neuromyelitis optica.
abstract: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), or Devic's disease, is an aggressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that predominantly affects the optic nerves and the spinal cord. The association with other systemic autoimmune diseases and the discovery of the specific biomarker, NMO-immunoglobulin G (IgG), suggests that NMO is autoimmune in origin. The prognosis of NMO is grave, especially in those patients with early and recurrent relapses. We describe successful use of immunoablative cyclophosphamide in halting relapses in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus-associated NMO who was unresponsive to high-dose oral and intravenous corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, low-dose daily oral cyclophosphamide and rituximab.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Radiology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR. ccmok2005@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Chi Chiu
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Mok
authors.forename: Chi Hung
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: To
authors.forename: Anselm
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mak
authors.forename: Wai Lun
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Poon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D055502:Secondary Prevention
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide