Jonathan D Santoro, Gabrielle deFiebre, Julia Lefelar, Panayotes Demakakos, Danielle Hartigh, Magali Periquet, Khaleda Ahmadyar, Zara Morrison, Jacqueline Palace
Persistent unmet care and support needs exist for individuals with MOGAD. Treatments were often stopped/changed, highlighting the need for more efficacious, tolerable, and approved therapies. Caregivers experience significant mental health impacts; improved support is needed.
INTRODUCTION: Data on the post-diagnosis experience of individuals with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and their caregivers are limited. We explored post-diagnosis treatment experience and satisfaction with care in individuals with MOGAD and associated caregiver burden.
METHODS: An online 57-question survey was distributed internationally to adults (aged ≥ 16 years) or caregivers assisting an adult or answering on behalf of a child (aged < 16 years) from October to December 2024.
RESULTS: Overall, 261 responses were collected (adults, 219; children, 42) across 27 countries. Of those prescribed a preventative treatment, 43% of adults (n = 71/167) and 42% of children (n = 13/31) stopped treatment; common reasons were side effects and lack of efficacy. Most adults (73%) and children (64%) reported difficulties accessing/trying to access MOGAD treatment and care. Substantial dissatisfaction was reported for chronic symptom management for adults (35%) and psychological/emotional support for children (31%). Compared with individuals with MOGAD (N = 261), caregivers (of adults, n = 61; of children, n = 42) were significantly more likely to report mental health impacts (26% vs 92%, respectively; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Persistent unmet care and support needs exist for individuals with MOGAD. Treatments were often stopped/changed, highlighting the need for more efficacious, tolerable, and approved therapies. Caregivers experience significant mental health impacts; improved support is needed.