Real-world effectiveness and safety of eculizumab in AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder


KOÇ E. R., YETKİN M. F., SARIDAŞ F., Turan O. F., Sevim S., Terzi M., ...Daha Fazla

Journal of Neurology, cilt.273, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 273 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00415-025-13608-w
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Neurology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Eculizumab, Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, Real-world study
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: To evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of eculizumab in patients with AQP4-IgG–positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and to identify predictors of disability outcomes. Methods: This multinational, retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 46 patients across 26 centers. The outcomes included the annualized relapse rate (ARR), relapse-free status, change in expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores, and adverse events. To identify predictors of EDSS improvement or worsening, patients were stratified into subgroups (improved vs. stable/worsened) at each follow-up time point and compared based on demographic, clinical, and radiological variables. Results: This retrospective cohort study included 46 patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD from 26 centers, followed for a mean of 27.3 months. The mean ARR significantly decreased from 1.1 in the 2 years pre-treatment to 0.1 during eculizumab therapy. The relapse-free rate increased from 6.5% pre-treatment to 80.4%. Mean EDSS scores improved from 4.2 at baseline to 3.6 at 24 months. The presence of area postrema syndrome was associated with a favorable prognosis, while the presence of spinal attacks was associated with a poor prognosis at 12 months. Adverse events occurred in 7 patients (18.9%), leading to permanent discontinuation in only two. Conclusion: Eculizumab demonstrated robust real-world effectiveness in reducing relapse rates and stabilizing disability, with an acceptable safety profile. Clinical outcomes may be influenced by attack phenotype, underscoring the importance of early intervention.