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Urinary free kappa light chain levels in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis
C S Constantinescu1, P D Mehta, A M Rostami
1Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Summary
Urinary free kappa light chains (FKLC) showed wide fluctuations in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). These levels did not correlate well with disease progression markers like EDSS scores or MRI changes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Elevated urinary free kappa light chains (FKLC) are observed in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).
- FKLC levels have previously correlated with clinical relapses in MS, suggesting potential as disease activity markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of urinary FKLC as biomarkers for disease activity in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To correlate monthly FKLC measurements with clinical disability (EDSS) and MRI findings in progressive MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Monthly urine samples were collected from patients with chronic progressive MS.
- Urinary FKLC levels were measured and correlated with Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.
- Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess disease activity.
Main Results:
- Urinary FKLC levels exhibited significant fluctuations over time in progressive MS patients.
- No significant correlation was found between FKLC levels and EDSS scores.
- FKLC levels did not show a clear correlation with MRI-detected disease activity.
Conclusions:
- Urinary FKLC may not be a reliable indicator of disease activity in the chronic progressive form of MS.
- Further research with longer follow-up periods is required to ascertain the role of FKLC in progressive MS.
- The utility of FKLC as a biomarker may differ between relapsing-remitting and progressive MS subtypes.