Biomedicines (Feb 2023)

Serum Neurofilaments and OCT Metrics Predict EDSS-Plus Score Progression in Early Relapse-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

  • Vlad Eugen Tiu,
  • Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu,
  • Iulian Ion Enache,
  • Cristina Tiu,
  • Alina Popa Cherecheanu,
  • Cristina Aura Panea

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020606
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 2
p. 606

Abstract

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(1) Background: Early disability accrual in RRMS patients is frequent and is associated with worse long-term prognosis. Correctly identifying the patients that present a high risk of early disability progression is of utmost importance, and may be aided by the use of predictive biomarkers. (2) Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study that included newly diagnosed RRMS patients, with a minimum follow-up period of one year. Biomarker samples were collected at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Disability progression was measured using the EDSS-plus score. (3) Results: A logistic regression model based on baseline and 6-month follow-up sNfL z-scores, RNFL and GCL-IPL thickness and BREMSO score was statistically significant, with χ2(4) = 19.542, p < 0.0001, R2 = 0.791. The model correctly classified 89.1% of cases, with a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 93.5%, a positive predictive value of 85.7% and a negative predictive value of 90.62%. (4) Conclusions: Serum biomarkers (adjusted sNfL z-scores at baseline and 6 months) combined with OCT metrics (RNFL and GCL-IPL layer thickness) and the clinical score BREMSO can accurately predict early disability progression using the EDSS-plus score for newly diagnosed RRMS patients.

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