Impact of smoking on clinical outcomes in NMOSD and MOGAD: A meta-analysis.

What was studied

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. It asked if smoking affects outcomes in NMOSD and MOGAD. These are autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system. The authors searched several databases up to May 2026. The studies came out from 2014 to 2026.

What they found

Smoking showed no clear link with getting NMOSD-AQP4. Smokers had a higher risk of incomplete recovery after relapses than non-smokers. The link was stronger in MOGAD than in NMOSD-AQP4. A written summary also hinted at poorer MRI lesion healing in smokers. Evidence on relapse activity was mixed.

What it means for patients

The authors conclude that smoking is linked to poorer recovery after relapses. This holds in both diseases, most of all in MOGAD. They say smoking may be a factor that can be changed. They say this supports adding stop-smoking help to routine care.

Why it is not certain yet

The results show links, not proof of cause. The abstract does not say how many patients were in each analysis. The MRI finding came from a written summary, not a pooled result. A pooled result can only be as good as its studies.

Source

Impact of smoking on clinical outcomes in NMOSD and MOGAD: A meta-analysis.

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