Neuromyelitis optica in patients with coexisting human immunodeficiency virus infections

Anteneh M. Feyissa, Parbhdeep Singh, Robert G. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two patients with known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and receiving antiretroviral treatment developed neuromyelitis optica (Devic's disease). One patient tested positive for serum aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G antibodies. Both patients were treated with high dose pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone followed by standard sessions of plasma exchange both at the onset attack and during disease relapses. For maintenance therapy, one patient received rituximab infusions and the second patient received mycophenolate mofetil orally. Despite treatment, both patients are currently wheelchair-bound due to severe paraparesis. Neuromyelitis optica can occur in the course of HIV infection and poses an ongoing therapeutic challenge.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1363-1366
Number of pages4
JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal
Volume19
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2013

Keywords

  • Aquaporin-4 antibody
  • Devic's disease
  • HIV
  • NMO
  • neuromyelitis optica
  • plasma exchange

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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