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Updated: Sep 26, 2026
A High Throughput, Multiplexed and Targeted Proteomic CSF Assay to Quantify Neurodegenerative Biomarkers and Apolipoprotein E Isoforms Status
Published on: October 20, 2016
Isoelectric focusing of CSF proteins and the future evolution of multiple sclerosis: a clinical follow-up
Abstract:
A clinical follow-up covering a period of 5-10 years after onset was performed in 150 patients with optic neuritis or other potential onset symptoms of MS. Thin-layer isoelectric focusing had been used for the initial CSF-protein analysis. No evidence for a more probable alternative diagnosis appeared in 147 patients while a non-MS diagnosis was established in 3 patients. Among these 147 subjects the planned follow-up was accomplished in 131 patients, but not in 16. An evolution into clinically definite MS occurred in 59 subjects, in whom oligoclonal CSF immunoglobulin was found in 92%. Further clinical activity without spatial dissemination--i.e. lesser degrees of diagnostic probability for MS--were found in 35 patients in whom oligoclonal CSF immunoglobulin components were detected in 86%. Among the 131 patients with a complete follow-up, 45 remained free from further clinical activity; oligoclonal CSF immunoglobulin components occurred in 40% of these patients. The frequency of further clinical activity with or without spatial dissemination was significantly higher in subjects exhibiting oligoclonal CSF immunoglobulin components than in those without such changes.
Insights
Oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicate a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). This finding aids in predicting MS progression in patients with initial neurological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and paraclinical findings.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, particularly for oligoclonal immunoglobulin bands, is crucial in diagnosing MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term predictive value of CSF oligoclonal bands for MS development and progression.
- To assess the correlation between CSF findings and clinical outcomes in patients with optic neuritis or other initial MS symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A 5-10 year clinical follow-up of 150 patients with suspected MS onset.
- Initial CSF protein analysis using thin-layer isoelectric focusing.
- Assessment of clinical activity and diagnostic probability for MS over time.
Main Results:
- Of 131 patients with complete follow-up, 59 developed clinically definite MS, with 92% showing CSF oligoclonal bands.
- An additional 35 patients exhibited further clinical activity (lesser MS probability), 86% of whom had oligoclonal bands.
- 45 patients remained clinically inactive; 40% of these had oligoclonal bands.
- Significantly higher rates of clinical activity were observed in patients with CSF oligoclonal bands compared to those without.
Conclusions:
- CSF oligoclonal immunoglobulin bands are a strong predictor of MS development and progression.
- The presence of oligoclonal bands in CSF significantly increases the likelihood of future clinical activity in patients with initial neurological symptoms suggestive of MS.
