Predictors of overlapping autoimmune disease in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum disorder (NMOSD): A retrospective analysis in two inner-city hospitals

The coexistence of Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with other autoimmune diseases (AD-NMOSD) presents worse clinical outcomes and healthcare costs than NMOSD alone (NMOSD-only). NMOSD and other autoimmune diseases also have a higher prevalence and morbidity in Black. We aim to compare clinical features and treatment responses in NMOSD patients with and without overlapping autoimmunity in a predominantly Black cohort. We further identify predictors associated with each clinical subtype. AD-NMOSD (n = 14) and NMOSD-only (n = 27) patients were identified retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, and response to treatment data were examined. Our cohort was predominately Black (82.9%). The prevalence of grouped-comorbidities, history of infections, sensory symptoms, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) before treatment, double-stranded DNA, antinuclear, ribonucleoprotein, and antiphospholipid antibodies, spinal-cord edema, white matter occipital lesions, and the levels of C-reactive protein, urine protein/creatinine, white blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), were higher in AD-NMOSD patients (p 50), whereas the age of males, visual symptoms, serum albumin, platelet count, and optic nerve enhancement were lower. EDSS after treatment improved in both groups being more evident in NMOSD-only patients (p = 0.003, SE = 0.58 vs p = 0.075, SE = 0.51). Other variables had a close to moderate SE, and others did not differ between NMOSD subtypes. A higher frequency of grouped-comorbidities, lower serum albumin, and platelet count were independently associated with a higher risk for AD-NMOSD. Some clinical features between AD-NMOSD and NMOSD-only patients were similar, while others differed. Comorbidities, serum albumin, and platelet count may be independent predictors of AD-NMOSD. •The coexistence of NMOSD and other autoimmune diseases has worse clinical outcomes and healthcare costs than NMOSD alone.•NMOSD and other autoimmune diseases have higher prevalence and morbidity in Black populations.•We compare clinical data of NMOSD with and without another autoimmune disease in a predominantly Black population.•Grouped-comorbidities, albumin in serum, and platelet count may be independent predictors of AD-NMOSD clinical subtype.