Interferon Beta treatment in neuromyelitis optica: increase in relapses and aquaporin 4 antibody titers.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a patient with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) whose aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody levels increased following treatment with interferon beta.


METHODS
Prospective clinical and laboratory case report.


METHODS
Institutional referral center for multiple sclerosis (MS). Patient One patient with an initial diagnosis of MS that was later revised to NMO.


METHODS
A course of interferon beta-1a followed by conventional immunosuppression. Blood samples were collected from the onset of treatment, and clinical and laboratory assessment was performed.


METHODS
Serum levels of AQP4 antibody and number and characteristics of neurological relapses.


RESULTS
After 3 relapses during a 10-month period despite interferon beta-1a treatment, the diagnosis of AQP4 antibody-positive NMO was made and treatment was switched to prednisolone and methotrexate. The AQP4 antibody titers rose dramatically during treatment with interferon beta, and then fell when conventional immunosuppressive therapy was substituted; the patient has remained relapse-free for the subsequent years.


CONCLUSIONS
Although previous articles have suggested that interferon beta may increase relapses in NMO, this is the first to illustrate an increase in AQP4 antibodies associated with such treatment.
Palace
Jacqueline
J
DM, Department of Clinical Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Level 3 West Wing, Oxford OX3 9DU, England. jacqueline.palace@clneuro.ox.ac.uk
Leite
Maria Isabel
MI
Nairne
Angela
A
Vincent
Angela
A
D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D051401:Aquaporin 4 / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D055502:Secondary Prevention
D000906:Antibodies; D051401:Aquaporin 4; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016899:Interferon-beta