Abstract: Objective To investigate and compare the features between neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders(NMOSD)with and without common non-organ-specific autoantibodies. Methods A total of 36 NMOSD patients were divided into 2 groups: positive group(n=26, with common non-organ-specific autoantibodies), and negative group(n=10, without common non-organ-specific autoantibodies). The clinical, laboratory and imaging features between the two groups were assessed. Results Common non-organ-specific autoantibodies in NMOSD patients were mainly antinuclear antibody, anti-SSA antibody and anti-Ro52 antibody. The age of onset of the patients in the positive group were older than those in the negative group, and tended to complicate with non-organ-specific autoimmune diseases or tumors. As the initial symptoms, the ratio of optic neuritis/myelitis was higher in the negative group. While the cerebrospinal pressure and protein content were higher in the positive group. No differences were observed in other clinical, laboratory or MRI characteristics between the two groups. Conclusions NMOSD patients with non-organ-specific autoantibodies are vulnerable to severe inflammation in the central nervous system, non-organ-specific autoimmune diseases and tumors.

Key words: Antinuclear antibody, Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, Non-organ-specific autoantibodies, Non-organ-specific autoimmune diseases