Conversion of Optic Neuritis to Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Comorbidity Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) conversion after optic neuritis (ON) and to identify the predictive factors on conversion in Turkish patients. Methods: Patients whose first clinical attacks had been ON were included in the study. The primary end point was the diagnosis of clinical relapse-remitting MS. Result: Except for the bilateral involvement rate, the clinical and demographic characteristics of the cohort are similar to Western studies. Though one-third of the patients with ON had bilateral involvement, bilateral involvement reduces the risk of conversion. Also, active lesions at the initial cranial magnetic resonance imagination increase the conversion rate. Conclusion: This research confirms previous findings and contributes additional evidence that if the patients have unilateral involvement and active lesions, they should be closely monitored. Moreover, our research supports the hypothesis that risk factors may be affected by racial, environmental, and genetic factors.