CSF β-amyloid is not a prognostic marker in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory, demyelinating disorder. Given its variable prognosis, the identification of new prognostic biomarkers is needed. ObjectivesThe aims of our study were to assess the prognostic values of CSF β-amyloid-42 (Aβ42) and β-amyloid-40 (Aβ40) levels in MS patients. MethodsEighty-nine (55 RRMS, 34 PPMS) patients with a recent diagnosis and 27 controls were included in this single-centre retrospective study. Clinical, MRI and CSF data have been collected and were analysed to evaluate the potential value of CSF Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels as MS biomarkers. ResultsCSF Aβ levels as well as Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio were identical in MS patients and controls. Although CSF Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels were higher in PPMS than in RRMS and in patients with higher EDSS, a multivariate analysis including age and EDSS demonstrated that only age of patients was associated with CSF amyloid levels. Additionally, 55 RRMS patients were followed for 3 years. We found no association between baseline amyloid levels and 3-year disability. ConclusionOur data do not support an association between CSF amyloid levels and MS status and disease severity. We suggest that CSF amyloid levels are not a prognostic biomarker in recently diagnosed RRMS.