NMO (Aquaporin-4) IgG Serum BY IFA

NMO (Aquaporin-4) IgG Serum Test

The NMO (Aquaporin-4) IgG Test is a blood test used to detect Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) IgG antibodies, which are associated with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). This autoimmune disorder primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord, leading to symptoms like vision loss and paralysis.


Why is the Test Done?

Diagnose Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)
Differentiate NMOSD from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (as both can have similar symptoms)
Assess Unexplained Optic Neuritis, Transverse Myelitis, or Brainstem Syndromes
Guide Treatment Decisions – Helps in selecting appropriate immunosuppressive therapies


Understanding Test Results

Test Result Interpretation Condition
Positive (AQP4-IgG Detected) Confirms NMOSD Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Negative (No AQP4-IgG Detected) NMOSD unlikely, but not ruled out Could be MS, MOGAD, or another disorder

📌 About 70-80% of NMOSD patients test positive for AQP4-IgG.
📌 A negative test does not exclude NMOSD, as some cases are caused by MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) antibodies instead.


NMOSD vs. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Feature NMOSD (AQP4-IgG Positive) Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Antibody AQP4-IgG positive in ~80% Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in CSF
Affected Areas Optic nerve, spinal cord, brainstem Brain, spinal cord
MRI Findings Long spinal cord lesions (3+ vertebrae) Smaller brain/spinal lesions
Relapses More severe attacks, incomplete recovery Frequent relapses but slower progression
Treatment Immunosuppressants (e.g., rituximab) MS therapies (interferons, fingolimod, etc.)

Next Steps After a Positive AQP4-IgG Test

🔬 Additional Tests:
MRI Brain & Spine – Identifies characteristic NMOSD lesions
Lumbar Puncture (CSF Analysis) – Checks for oligoclonal bands (which are common in MS but rare in NMOSD)
MOG-IgG Test – Helps rule out MOG-associated disease (MOGAD)

💊 Treatment Options:

  • Corticosteroids & Plasma Exchange (PLEX) – Used for acute attacks
  • Long-term Immunosuppression – Rituximab, Eculizumab, or other immunosuppressants

Original price was: ₹6,300.00.Current price is: ₹4,999.00.

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