Work

Patient-reported outcomes in Chinese patients with AQP4-IgG–positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder on inebilizumab therapy: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has entered the era of targeted biological agents. While relapse control has improved substantially, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) remain understudied. This study aimed to explore real-world patient-reported perceptions of inebilizumab therapy in AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD patients receiving inebilizumab using an anonymous online questionnaire (April-September 2025). Data collected included demographics, medication history, and multidimensional quality-of-life changes following inebilizumab initiation. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were performed. Key outcomes were patient-reported without objective validation. RESULTS: A total of 275 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Respondents were predominantly female (90.5%) with a mean age of 39.7 ± 11.8 years. Mean inebilizumab treatment duration was 14.5 ± 8.4 months. Of all patients, 33.1% received inebilizumab as initial maintenance therapy, 42.9% had previously used conventional immunosuppressants, and 24.0% had switched from other biologics. Among respondents, 92.4% reported meaningful symptom improvement across multiple domains including bodily pain and mental health. Overall, 96.4% expressed willingness to continue therapy, with symptom improvement cited as the predominant reason (91.7%). Correlation analysis revealed weak associations between treatment duration and satisfaction (r = 0.12, p < 0.05) and between medication cost burden and satisfaction (r = - 0.24, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional survey, Chinese patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD receiving inebilizumab reported high satisfaction, perceived multidimensional benefit, and strong treatment continuation willingness. These findings provide exploratory patient-reported evidence regarding the acceptability of inebilizumab in routine practice. However, the observed improvements are self-reported and associative rather than causal; interpretation should account for the cross-sectional, non-comparative design, potential selection and recall biases, and lack of objective outcome validation. Prospective controlled studies are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

Source: BMC Neurology

DOI: 10.1186/s12883-026-05163-2

Authors: Hexiang Yin, Mengdi Hao, Yan Xu

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090