GLYCINE RECEPTOR ANTIBODY—A MARKER FOR NMO/ NON-MS DEMYELINATION?. Issue 11 (14th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hamid, Shahd; Elsone, Liene; Waters, Patrick; Woodhall, Mark Woodhall; Mutch, Kerry; Rafferty, Cahal; Tang, Lisa; Solomon, Tom; Vincent, Angela; Jacob, Anu
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 86:Issue 11(2015)
• Page Start: e4
• Page End: e4
• Publication Date: 2015-10-14
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2015-312379.130
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Antibodies against glycine receptors (GlyR Ab) have been strongly linked to progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM). Their association with other neurological disorders is poorly understood. Methods: We looked retrospectively at all patients who were tested for (GlyR Abs) in the Walton Centre between 2010–2014. Results: 138 patients were tested. The pre-test diagnoses (n) were transverse myelitis (34), NMO (22, (7 AQP4 IgG+ve and 15 AQP4 IgG-ve), optic neuritis (17), MS (22), ADEM (4), other atypical demyelination (4), encephalitis (11), epilepsy (4), dementia (4), parkinsonism (3), functional disorders (3) and others (10). 53.6% (74) had a relapsing course 6/138 (4%) were positive for GlyR Ab. The diagnoses (n) were optic neuritis (2) one of which was AQP4 IgG+ve, NMO-AQP4-IgG negative (1), transverse myelitis (1), tumefactive demyelination (1) and undiagnosed spastic ataxic syndrome with normal imaging (1). 5/6 had a relapsing course and are on immunosuppressants. Conclusion: Antibodies against GlyR are not common and seem to be associated with some non-PERM inflammatory CNS diseases, with a relapsing course. Larger studies are required to understand the clinical and prognostic significance of these early findings.