Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 21, 2026

A Cell Free Assay System Estimating the Neutralizing Capacity of GM-CSF Antibody using Recombinant Soluble GM-CSF Receptor
07:45

A Cell Free Assay System Estimating the Neutralizing Capacity of GM-CSF Antibody using Recombinant Soluble GM-CSF Receptor

Published on: June 27, 2011

13.0K

Does CSF pleocytosis have a predictive value for disease course in MS?

Itay Lotan1, Felix Benninger1, Rom Mendel1

  • 1Neuro-Immunology Service and Department of Neurology (I.L., M.A.H.), Rabin Medical Center; Department of Neurology (I.L., F.B., R.M., M.A.H., I.S.), Rabin Medical Center; and Sackler Faculty of Medicine (I.L., F.B., R.M., M.A.H., I.S.), Tel Aviv University, Israel.

Neurology(R) Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation
|July 30, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients indicates a higher relapse rate and faster disability progression. This finding suggests CSF pleocytosis is an unfavorable prognostic marker for MS disease course.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system demyelinating disorder with variable clinical presentations and prognoses.
  • Current prognostic factors for MS are limited, lacking specific biological markers to guide treatment.
  • The impact of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis on MS clinical course and prognosis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between CSF pleocytosis at initial presentation and the clinical course of MS.
  • To determine if CSF pleocytosis serves as a predictive marker for MS disease progression.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of 114 MS patients who underwent lumbar puncture at diagnosis.
  • Analysis included CSF cell count, clinical diagnosis (CIS/RRMS), annualized relapse rate (ARR), and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression.
  • Comparison of outcomes between patients with and without CSF pleocytosis (≥5 cells/μL vs. <4 cells/μL).

Main Results:

  • Forty-six patients (40%) presented with CSF pleocytosis.
  • Patients with CSF pleocytosis exhibited a significantly higher ARR (0.60 vs. 0.48, p=0.0267).
  • Pleocytosis was associated with a steeper EDSS score increase over the follow-up period (r²=0.04, p=0.0251).

Conclusions:

  • CSF pleocytosis at initial MS presentation is linked to a more aggressive disease course.
  • Elevated CSF cell counts may serve as an unfavorable biological predictive factor in MS.
  • These findings highlight the prognostic value of CSF analysis in managing MS patients.

More Related Videos

Using CRISPR/Cas9 to Knock Out GM-CSF in CAR-T Cells07:56

Using CRISPR/Cas9 to Knock Out GM-CSF in CAR-T Cells

Published on: July 22, 2019

11.8K
A High Throughput, Multiplexed and Targeted Proteomic CSF Assay to Quantify Neurodegenerative Biomarkers and Apolipoprotein E Isoforms Status07:08

A High Throughput, Multiplexed and Targeted Proteomic CSF Assay to Quantify Neurodegenerative Biomarkers and Apolipoprotein E Isoforms Status

Published on: October 20, 2016

8.2K

Related Concept Videos

Predicting Molecular Geometry02:27

Predicting Molecular Geometry

VSEPR Theory for Determination of Electron Pair Geometries
45.5K
Prediction Intervals01:03

Prediction Intervals

The interval estimate of any variable is known as the prediction interval. It helps decide if a point estimate is dependable.
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y. 
3.3K
End Point Prediction: Gran Plot01:07

End Point Prediction: Gran Plot

A Gran plot is used to predict the equivalence volume or endpoint of a potentiometric or acid-base titration without reaching the endpoint. Typically, titration data is collected as a function of the titrant's volume up to a point less than the equivalence volume and then transformed into a linear format. The straight line is extended to the x-axis, indicating the necessary titrant volume to achieve the equivalence point.
For potentiometric titration, the Gran plot is created by plotting...
1.2K
Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predicted Value01:13

Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predicted Value

In healthcare diagnostics, laboratory tests play a crucial role in identifying and diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. However, interpreting test results is not always straightforward. An abnormal test result does not always confirm the presence of a disease, just as a normal result does not guarantee its absence. To assess the reliability of these diagnostic tools, healthcare practitioners rely on two key statistical indicators: sensitivity and specificity.
Sensitivity is the...
1.2K
Predicting Reaction Outcomes02:24

Predicting Reaction Outcomes

Kinetics describes the rate and path by which a reaction occurs. In contrast, thermodynamics deals with state functions and describes the properties, behavior, and components of a system. It is not concerned with the path taken by the process and cannot address the rate at which a reaction occurs. Although it does provide information about what can happen during a reaction process, it does not describe the detailed steps of what appears on an atomic or a molecular level. On the other hand,...
10.3K
Predicting Products: Substitution vs. Elimination02:52

Predicting Products: Substitution vs. Elimination

When a nucleophile and an alkyl halide react, nucleophilic substitution and β-elimination reactions compete to generate products.
The following factors can influence the mechanisms competing against each other:
13.8K