Clinical significance and prognostic value of serum autoantibody tests in multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: It is known that multiple sclerosis (MS) often coexists with other autoimmune diseases. Hence, autoantibody (auto-Ab) tests may prove useful in the differential diagnosis of MS. The objectives of this study were to: (a) investigate the prevalence of auto-Ab positivity at the beginning of the MS diagnostic process; (b) assess whether Auto-Ab+ and Auto-Ab- patients differ in baseline clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters; and (c) investigate the prognostic value during a two-year follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of 450 patients aged between 18 and 55 years. All patients underwent a wide range of auto-Ab tests, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) tests in particular. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores of the patients were recorded at the time of diagnosis and at the end of a two-year follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean age of the 212 patients, 148 (69.8%) female and 64 (30.2%) male, included in the study sample was 37 ± 10.83 years. The rate of relapsing cases was 84% (178). Oligoclonal band (OCB) was positive in 142 (86.6%) of the 164 tested cases. At least one of the auto-Ab tests was positive in 51 (24.1%) of the cases. ANA test was positive in 21 (9.9%) cases. There was no significant difference between patients with at least one positive auto-Ab test and without any positive auto-Ab test and between ANA-positive and ANA-negative patients in terms of age, gender, clinical features of MS, presence of brain stem lesion, presence of spinal lesion, OCB positivity, level of clinical improvement after the first pulse steroid treatment, family history, presence of comorbidity, presence of autoimmune disease, or EDSS scores recorded at the end of the two-year follow-up period (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings revealed that Auto-Ab positivity was more common in MS patients than in the general population. However, given their limited contribution to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MS with no effect on the prognostic process, auto-Ab tests should be requested only in the event of accompanying autoimmune disease symptoms, and in cases where the diagnosis of MS may be suspected.

Beyond conventional therapies: IVIG in treating severe fingolimod-rebound in a postpartum patient with MS.

This case report details a female patient with multiple sclerosis in her 30s, who experienced a significant fingolimod rebound syndrome post partum, characterised by worsening neurological symptoms and severe demyelinating lesions. Traditional treatments, including steroids and plasmapheresis, were ineffective. However, the introduction of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) led to remarkable improvement in her symptoms and disability status. This case highlights the complex immunological changes associated with fingolimod cessation and underscores IVIG's potential as a valuable treatment in managing such rebounds.

Differential Analysis of Venous Sinus Diameters: Unveiling Vascular Alterations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in the cerebral venous system have been increasingly recognized as a significant component of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to explore the relationship between venous sinus diameter and MS to understand potential vascular alterations in MS patients compared with controls. We sought to determine whether these alterations were correlated with disease characteristics such as duration, lesion type, and disability score. METHODS: This study included 79 MS patients diagnosed according to the 2017 McDonald criteria and 67 healthy individuals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans via a 1.5 Tesla system provided measurements of the superior sagittal sinus, right and left transverse sinus, sinus rectus, and venous structures. Statistical analysis was conducted via SPSS, employing independent sample t tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation analysis, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: This study revealed significant differences in venous sinus diameter between MS patients and controls, with MS patients exhibiting larger diameters. Specifically, patients with brainstem and spinal lesions had larger diameters in certain sinus regions. No significant correlations were found between venous sinus diameter and demographic factors, expanded disability status scale scores, or lesion counts. However, a significant increase in perivenular lesions was noted in patients with longer disease durations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate notable vascular alterations in MS patients, particularly in venous sinus diameters, suggesting a potential vascular component in MS pathology. The lack of correlation with conventional clinical and MRI metrics highlights the complexity of MS pathology. These insights underscore the need for further research, particularly longitudinal studies, to elucidate the role of venous changes in MS progression and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Oligoclonal band count as a marker of disease activity and progression in multiple sclerosis: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers provide critical insights into the pathophysiology and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), as this study aimed to investigate the relationships between CSF oligoclonal band (OCB) counts and the clinical course and short-term prognosis of MS patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis covering a five-year period was conducted at two MS centers. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, MRI findings, EDSS scores, annualized relapse rate (ARR) in the first two years, and CSF analyses were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 310 patients, the ages ranged from 19 to 73 years, with a mean age of 38 years. OCBs were detected in 86.5 % (n = 268) of the patients. Those with a greater number of OCB bands had significantly more upper cervical lesions and T2 lesions (p < 0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between OCB and the IgG index score. No significant relationship was observed between band count and the ARR or EDSS score. OCB-positive patients had higher IgG index scores and more upper cervical lesions (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients with elevated IgG index levels (>0.7) exhibited significantly greater EDSS scores and more T2 lesions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of OCB counts as a significant marker for assessing disease activity and progression in MS patients. These findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates CSF analysis with clinical and radiological data to effectively manage MS and tailor treatment strategies.