Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Neuromyelitis Optica

Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is an immune-mediated astrocytopathy characterized by frequent demyelinating/necrotizing attacks of optic nerves and spinal cord. Treatments are highly toxic and incompletely effective. Fifty percent of patients are blind in one eye or require a mobility aide within 5 years. The immunological features of NMO, coupled with its severity make it an ideal candidate for a trial of autologous non-ablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) with the goal of disease remission and freedom from immunosuppressive medications.