Effectiveness of immunotherapies in relapsing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease

Abstract

Background: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) can cause optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Immunotherapy is often used for relapsing disease, but there is variability in treatment decisions. Objective: The objective was to determine the annualized relapse rates (ARRs) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) compared to pre-treatment and relapse-freedom probabilities among patients receiving steroids, B-cell depletion (BCD), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients with relapsing MOGAD treated at Mass General Brigham. ARRs and IRRs compared to pre-treatment, and relapse-freedom probability and odds ratio for relapse-freedom compared to prednisone were calculated. Results: A total of 88 patients met the inclusion criteria. The ARR on IVIG was 0.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.06–0.27) and the relapse-freedom probability after at least 6 months of therapy was 72%. The ARR on BCD was 0.51 (95% CI = 0.34–0.77), and the relapse-freedom probability was 33%. The ARR on MMF was 0.32 (95% CI = 0.19–0.53) and the relapse-freedom probability was 49%. In pediatric-onset disease, MMF had the lowest ARRs (0.15, 95% CI = 0.07–0.33). Conclusion: IVIG had the lowest ARRs and IRRs compared to pre-treatment and the highest relapse-freedom odds ratio compared to prednisone, while BCD had the lowest. In pediatric-onset MOGAD, MMF had the lowest ARRs.