Smoking And Disease Severity In Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica

Objective: Determinate the effect of smoking on disease severity in patients with neuromyelitis optica and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Background: Smoking is a well established factor for disease onset and severity in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the CNS. Albeit different in their pathogenesis, neuromyelitis optica is another condition where an autoimmune attack of the CNS occurs. However, the effect of smoking in disease activity and severity is largely unknown. Methods: conducted a multicentric study in 5 centers of Argentina with 89 patients diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica or Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder according to the 2006 Wingerchuck diagnostic criteria. Clinical and demographic data was obtained from health records retrospectively and tobacco use and quantity was assessed via a telephone interview. The effect of smoking and the number of pack/years on disease severity was assessed via regression analysis in a multivariate model using Stata v12.1. Results: total of 89 patients were included (18[percnt] males, mean age and SD was 45.2±13.8). The average disease duration was 61.6±43.7 months. A total of 36 patients (40.45[percnt]) reported being former or current smokers. We found a positive correlation between the amount of pack years smoked and the EDSS score at disease diagnosis (P=0.007) and an inverse correlation with visual acuity (P=0.031). The association between smoking and EDSS disappears once the treatment is initiated (P=0.302). Conclusions: As reported in MS patients, smoking habit represent a considerable environmental risk factor and may influence in the disease progression in patients with Neuromyelitis Optica or Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder. Disclosure: Dr. Varela has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pagani Cassara has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rojas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carnero has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fiol has received personal compensation for activities with Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corp., Teva, and Merck Serono. Dr. Gaitan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ysrraelit hold stock and/or stock options in Novartis, Biogen Idec, and Merck Serono. Dr. Cristiano has received personal compensation for activities with Bayer, Biogen Idec, Merck, and Novartis. Dr. Sinay has nothing to disclose. Dr. Villa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Correale has nothing to disclose. Dr. Farez received personal compensation from Teva Argentina, Merck-Serono Argentina and Novartis Argentina.