Monoclonal antibody efficacy in seropositive vs seronegative NMOSD: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Monoclonal antibodies have transformed the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), yet their comparative efficacy by aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) serostatus remains uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare monoclonal antibody efficacy between AQP4-IgG seropositive and seronegative NMOSD patients. METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception through January 2025 for studies comparing monoclonal antibody efficacy outcomes (rituximab, eculizumab, satralizumab, inebilizumab, tocilizumab, or ravulizumab) between seropositive and seronegative NMOSD patients. Primary outcomes included annualized relapse rate (ARR) and relapse events. Secondary outcomes included disability progression (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]) and infectious adverse events. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD1049290). RESULTS: = 0%). DISCUSSION: Monoclonal antibodies demonstrate significantly greater efficacy in preventing relapses in AQP4-IgG seropositive compared with seronegative NMOSD patients. Serostatus should inform treatment selection and expectations. Comparable safety profiles support continued use in seronegative patients, though further research is needed to optimize therapeutic strategies for this population.