Divergent comorbidity profiles in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis: A large single-centre cohort from Turkey

KAYA E., Caliskan C., Abasıyanık Z., Simsek Y., ÖZAKBAŞ S.

Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, cilt.109, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 109
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107138
  • Dergi Adı: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Multiple sclerosis, Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, Comorbidity
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are immune-mediated demyelinating disorders with overlapping clinical features. Comorbidities may influence diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic decisions, and long-term prognosis. Comparative data on comorbidity profiles in NMOSD versus MS are scarce, particularly from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cohorts. Objective: To compare the prevalence and distribution of systemic, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in patients with NMOSD and MS. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 144 patients with NMOSD and 2892 with MS followed at a neuroimmunology clinic between 2015 and 2023. Demographic, clinical, and comorbidity data were systematically extracted from electronic records. Results: Comorbidity profiles differed significantly between groups. NMOSD patients more frequently had systemic lupus erythematosus (3.5% vs 0.1%, p < 0.01), diabetes mellitus (12.5% vs 4.5%, p < 0.01), and dyslipidemia (7.6% vs 3.5%, p = 0.012). A trend toward higher prevalence of Behçet's disease was observed (1.4% vs 0.2%, p = 0.052). In contrast, depression/anxiety (20.1% vs 12.5%, p = 0.025), restless legs syndrome (5.6% vs 1.4%, p = 0.029) were significantly more common in MS. Conclusion: NMOSD and MS differ substantially in their comorbidity signatures.