This study aims to characterize sex hormone alterations and their potential clinical significance in NMOSD patients from Southern China through comprehensive hormonal profiling.

This study is a prospective cohort study, aiming to explore the characteristics of sex hormone levels in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). It plans to include 2,000 patients with NMOSD and 2,000 healthy controls, and conduct a 3-year follow-up. By regularly collecting data such as serum sex hormone levels, imaging, neurological function scales, and various biomarkers, the differences between the two groups will be compared and analyzed to reveal the role of sex hormones in NMOSD and their association with disease activity.

Inclusion Criteria Inclusion Criteria for the NMOSD Patient Group

• Aged 18 years or older, regardless of sex
• Fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders as defined by the 2021 Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and management of NMOSD
• Seropositive for AQP4-IgG
• Provided informed consent by the participant or their legal guardian

Inclusion Criteria for the Healthy Control Group

• Aged 18 years or older, regardless of sex
• Gender- and age-matched healthy individuals
• Provided informed consent by the participant or their legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of other serious systemic diseases (e.g., malignancy)
• Presence of severe psychiatric disorders that would preclude compliance with study procedures and/or follow-up assessments
• History of infectious pathologies of the central nervous system
• Those with severe liver and kidney function impairment or dysfunction of other vital organs
• Patients with other conditions that do not allow participation in clinical research
• Patients allergic to gadolinium-DPTA
• Patients with other conditions that do not allow participation in clinical research

The population of NMOSD patients in Southern China