Abstract
BackgroundThe diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands (CSF-OCB) detected by isoelectric focusing (IEF) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) was evaluated in our study.MethodsThree hundred and twenty-one patients with MS and other central nervous system (CNS) immune mediated disorders were assessed (CIMD). Cerebrospinal fluid and matched serum samples were examined for the presence of OCB by IEF-IB (isoelectric focusing with immunoblotting).ResultsIsolated oligoclonal bands (ISO-OCB) were the only predictor of MS diagnosis independent of age, gender and CSF-OCB. ISO-OCB ≥ 3.5 detected by IEF yielded a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 87% in distinguishing MS from MS mimickers.ConclusionsFor the neurologist, a score of ≥ 4 ISO-OCB supports the diagnosis of MS. On the other hand, ISO-OCB ≤3 favors CIMD. Further studies with larger population samples are warranted to confirm these findings.
Highlights
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that is most commonly diagnosed between 20 and 40 years of age
Cerebrospinal fluid and matched serum samples were examined for the presence of oligoclonal bands (OCB) by isoelectric focusing combined with immunoblotting (IEF-IB)
Isolated oligoclonal bands (ISO-OCB) ! 3.5 detected by isoelectric focusing (IEF) yielded a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 87% in distinguishing MS from MS mimickers
Summary
The diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands (CSF-OCB) detected by isoelectric focusing (IEF) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) was evaluated in our study. Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
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