Likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis after optic neuritis diagnosis
Reviewed by Jonathan Chan

Optic neuritis (ON) is a relatively common cause of acute optic neuropathy in young patients which often presents as the first sign of multiple sclerosis (MS). There is a lack of evidence around the factors that are associated with the development of MS after a diagnosis of ON. The authors used a nationwide self-enrolled database (All of Us) to explore trends following ON and investigate barriers to healthcare access. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to analyse the potential association between the development of MS following a diagnosis of ON and a number of variables including family history and demographic factors. Out of 369,297 patients on the database, 1152 were identified to have a diagnosis of ON, while 152 of these patients were diagnosed with MS after ON. ON patients with a family history of obesity were more likely to develop MS (obesity odd ratio: 2.46; p<0.01). Over 60% of racial minority ON patients reported concern about affording healthcare compared with 45% of white ON patients (p<0.01). These findings could support earlier diagnosis for ON patients likely to develop MS. The authors report these findings as raising awareness of clinical and socioeconomic risk factors for patients that could enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of MS to improve outcomes, particularly in racial minorities.

Risk factors for multiple sclerosis development after optic neuritis diagnosis using a nationwide health records database.
Skrehot HC, Bhatnager A, Huang A, Lee AG.
NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY
2023;47(3):136–44.