Diagnostic value of kappa free light chain index in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis - a
Harald Hegen1, Klaus Berek1, Paola Cavalla2
1Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Background:
Kappa free light chains (κ-FLC) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are an emerging biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Objective:
To investigate whether κ-FLC index has similar diagnostic value in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) compared to oligoclonal bands (OCB).
Methods:
Patients with PPMS were recruited through 11 MS centres across 7 countries. κ-FLC were measured by immunonephelometry/-turbidimetry. OCB were determined by isoelectric focusing and immunofixation.
Results:
A total of 174 patients (mean age of 52±11 years, 51% males) were included. κ-FLC index using a cut-off of 6.1 was positive in 161 (93%) and OCB in 153 (88%) patients.
Conclusion:
κ-FLC index shows similar diagnostic sensitivity than OCB in PPMS.
Insights
The kappa free light chain (κ-FLC) index in cerebrospinal fluid shows diagnostic value in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), similar to oligoclonal bands (OCB). This finding supports κ-FLC as a key biomarker for PPMS diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Kappa free light chains (κ-FLC) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are increasingly recognized as a significant biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The diagnostic utility of κ-FLC in specific MS subtypes requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the κ-FLC index in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).
- To compare the diagnostic value of the κ-FLC index against established oligoclonal bands (OCB) in PPMS.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 174 PPMS patients from 11 centers across 7 countries.
- Measurement of κ-FLC levels in CSF using immunonephelometry/-turbidimetry.
- Determination of OCB status via isoelectric focusing and immunofixation.
Main Results:
- The κ-FLC index was positive in 93% (161/174) of PPMS patients using a cut-off of 6.1.
- OCB were detected in 88% (153/174) of the same patient cohort.
- The κ-FLC index demonstrated a high positive rate in the PPMS cohort.
Conclusions:
- The κ-FLC index exhibits comparable diagnostic sensitivity to OCB in patients diagnosed with PPMS.
- κ-FLC represents a valuable and sensitive biomarker for diagnosing PPMS.
