EFNS guidelines on diagnosis and management of neuromyelitis optica.
OBJECTIVE
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or Devic's disease is a rare inflammatory and demyelinating autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by recurrent attacks of optic neuritis (ON) and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), which is distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS). The guidelines are designed to provide guidance for best clinical practice based on the current state of clinical and scientific knowledge.


METHODS
Evidence for this guideline was collected by searches for original articles, case reports and meta-analyses in the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. In addition, clinical practice guidelines of professional neurological and rheumatological organizations were studied.


RESULTS
Different diagnostic criteria for NMO diagnosis [Wingerchuk et al. Revised NMO criteria, 2006 and Miller et al. National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) task force criteria, 2008] and features potentially indicative of NMO facilitate the diagnosis. In addition, guidance for the work-up and diagnosis of spatially limited NMO spectrum disorders is provided by the task force. Due to lack of studies fulfilling requirement for the highest levels of evidence, the task force suggests concepts for treatment of acute exacerbations and attack prevention based on expert opinion.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies on diagnosis and management of NMO fulfilling requirements for the highest levels of evidence (class I-III rating) are limited, and diagnostic and therapeutic concepts based on expert opinion and consensus of the task force members were assembled for this guideline.
Sellner
J
J
Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany. sellner@lrz.tum.de
Boggild
M
M
Clanet
M
M
Hintzen
R Q
RQ
Illes
Z
Z
Montalban
X
X
Du Pasquier
R A
RA
Polman
C H
CH
Sorensen
P S
PS
Hemmer
B
B
D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010951:Plasma Exchange
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone