The use of this particular sort of test in Vietnam not only aids in the proper diagnosis of the illness but also enables local patients to receive more effective treatment, lower their risk of impairment from sequelae, and avoid traveling outside. This is viewed as a significant development in the field of neuroendocrinology in Vietnam.
Mrs. N.T.M., 55, a resident of Hanoi, has experienced three periods of paralysis of both legs since 2014, as well as numbness from the navel down. Although she underwent surgery for what was likely myeloma and received myelitis treatment, the extent of her recovery gradually declined with each recurrence. After the 3rd relapse, she could only walk slowly with assistance.
She visited Vinmec Times City Hospital in August 2020 after experiencing her fourth relapse, which left both of her legs completely paralyzed. Neuroendocrinologists at Vinmec believed the patient had neuromyelitis optica, despite the fact that they saw no evidence of vision loss in them (NMO).
The condition may come and go, exhibiting symptoms of optic neuritis like blurred vision and eye pain or symptoms of myelitis such limb paralysis and urine retention. Patients may have optic neuritis alone, myelitis alone, or both.
Doctors have requested the AQP4 Antibody test in order to properly diagnose the patient. Mrs. M. received a positive test after 4 days, proving Dr. Vinmec's original suspicion to be accurate. After only 5 days after receiving the proper care and following the right regimen, the patient had made a full recovery: Both legs could move and stretch, and they were practicing walking. Ms. M. is currently undergoing treatment to prevent relapse.
In terms of their pathophysiology, multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are two distinct disorders. However, it might be challenging for doctors to distinguish between the two disorders during clinical diagnosis. The symptoms of NMO are worse when the two disorders' treatments are mixed up.
Until recently, it was costly for patients in Vietnam to travel abroad for diagnostic procedures for NMO. The ability of Vinmec to conduct a specialized test to precisely diagnose this illness is a first for Vietnam.
Routine diagnostic procedures for autoimmune illnesses like autoimmune neuropathy, autoimmune hepatitis, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis have been performed at Vinmec Times City Hospital since 2019. It is a positive development that NMO can now be accurately diagnosed there, allowing patients to receive more efficient care, lessen handicap brought on by the disease's aftereffects, and decrease morbidity and death. "Expenses must travel outside," says Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong of Vinmec Times City Hospital's department of neurosurgery.
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