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Published on: February 17, 2016
Oligoclonal band number as a marker for prognosis in multiple sclerosis
J R Avasarala1, A H Cross, J L Trotter
1Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8111, 660 S Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO 63017, USA. avasaralaj@neuro.wustl.edu
Abstract:
The natural course of disease in multiple sclerosis varies. Multiple sclerosis that is clinically apparent but causes minimal disability over time has been labeled benign multiple sclerosis. The ability to predict the subsequent clinical course of multiple sclerosis on the basis of clinical and other supportive data at presentation would be invaluable. In this article we report our findings based on a retrospective analysis of 1800 patients diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis, of which 44 patients met our inclusion criteria. There was a suggestion that a low or absent number of oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid at the time of diagnosis predicts a better prognosis. However, quantification of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid remains an insensitive prognostic indicator and must not be used to influence decisions regarding therapeutic options.
Insights
Predicting multiple sclerosis (MS) progression is crucial. While low oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid may suggest a better prognosis for MS patients, it
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- The clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is highly variable.
- Identifying 'benign MS' with minimal long-term disability is important for prognosis.
- Predictive markers for MS disease course are needed to guide therapeutic decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential prognostic indicators for multiple sclerosis (MS) at the time of diagnosis.
- To evaluate the utility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal bands as a predictive marker for MS prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1800 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
- Inclusion criteria applied to 44 patients for detailed assessment.
- Analysis focused on clinical data and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, specifically oligoclonal bands.
Main Results:
- A trend suggested that a low or absent number of oligoclonal bands in CSF at diagnosis may indicate a better MS prognosis.
- Quantification of CSF oligoclonal bands demonstrated limited sensitivity as a prognostic indicator.
- These findings indicate that oligoclonal band presence alone should not dictate treatment choices.
Conclusions:
- Oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are an unreliable prognostic indicator for multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The presence or absence of oligoclonal bands should not influence therapeutic decisions in MS management.
- Further research is needed to identify more sensitive and reliable prognostic markers for MS.
