Intra-blood-brain barrier synthesis of IgG: comparison of IgG synthesis formulas in a computer model and in 1,629 consecutive specimens.

ABSTRACT

We evaluated four formulas for estimating the intra-blood-brain barrier (IBBB) synthesis of IgG in a computer model of two types of BBB damage and in 1,629 consecutively received pairs of CSF and serum. These four formulas were the IgG synthesis rate (SR), IgG(loc) (ie, local), IgG index, and IgG extended index. Results from the 1,629 specimens and the computer model of type 2 BBB damage (partial or total loss of selective filtration) accurately predicted problems encountered with the IgG SR in clinical practice. In both the model and with the results from the 1,629 specimens, the combination of the IgG(loc) and IgG index formulas minimized the possibility of false-positive and false-negative results and yielded the most reliable results for IBBB synthesis of IgG in the presence or absence of increased permeability of the BBB. Additional studies with detailed clinical correlations will allow an accurate assessment of how effectively this combination of formulas can help to rule in or out the diagnosis of a particular disease or inflammatory condition of the CNS.