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Published on: January 16, 2019
Optimizing kappa free light chain index thresholds for multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in low-MS prevalence
Su-Hyun Kim1, You-Ri Kang2, Jieun Chung1
1Department of Neurology, Research Institute and Hospital of National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
Background:
The kappa free light chain (KFLC) index is a quantitative marker of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis with diagnostic performance comparable to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-restricted oligoclonal bands (OCBs). Its utility in Asian populations, where multiple sclerosis (MS) is less prevalent and mimics such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) are common, remains underexplored.
Objectives:
We aimed to validate the KFLC index and determine optimal thresholds for MS diagnosis in a Korean cohort.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 208 patients undergoing CSF evaluation, including 103 with MS and 105 with non-MS conditions (64 NMOSD, 14 MOGAD, 27 others). KFLC-related biomarkers were compared, and receiver operating characteristic analyses identified thresholds.
Results:
When comparing the MS group (n = 103) with the non-MS group (n = 105), the optimal KFLC index threshold was ⩾12.6, yielding sensitivity 84%, specificity 74%, and accuracy 79%. Combining KFLC index ⩾12.6 with OCB positivity increased specificity to 93%. Sex-specific thresholds (⩾22.8 for females, ⩾7.0 for males) improved performance, increasing male sensitivity and female specificity reaching 82%.
Conclusion:
The KFLC index is a reliable biomarker for MS diagnosis in Asian populations. Optimized and sex-specific thresholds may enhance diagnostic precision where MS mimics are relatively prevalent, consistent with diagnostic performance globally.
