Abstract General Information

Title

NMOSD antibody status of Azathioprine and Rituximab treatment of Brazilian patients: secondary findings of an online survey with 146 NMOSD patients.

Abstract

Introduction: an online survey was applied to 146 NMOSD patients to investigate their employment status, and some interesting secondary data was raised regarding their current DMD(disease-modifying drug) and antibody status that will be reported in this
Objectives: describe secondary data regarding current DMD and antibody status of Brazilian patients.
Methods: an online survey was sent to NMOSD patients included in digital platform base of a Brazilian patient association, to investigate their employment status. Secondary data regarding current treatment and antibody status will be shown in this poster.
Results: 145 answered their current DMD. Median age was 39yo. 10 women :1 man ratio; Rituximab was the most used drug, 41%, followed by Azathioprine, 39%, Other treatments, 10%(includes tocilizumab, mycophenolate and unknown treatments), Not currently treating 9%. Of the Rituximab patients, 73% are AQP4 IgG positive, while Azathioprine, 67%. Rituximab was preferably used in MOG IgG positive patients.
Conclusion: Although there is limited access to any NMOSD treatment throughout Brazil, a high percentage(83%) of patients are currently being treated with off label but recognized treatments. Although the population may have selection bias due to involvement in patient association and high educational level, there seems to be an important correlation with treatment strategies reported in LACTRIMS publication (1).