Mult Scler. 2019 Mar;25(3):338-343. doi: 10.1177/1352458517748474. Epub 2017 Dec 11.

Increased cerebrospinal fluid albumin and immunoglobulin A fractions forecast cortical atrophy and longitudinal functional deterioration in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Kroth J¹, Ciolac D², Fleischer V¹, Koirala N¹, Krämer J³, Muthuraman M¹, Luessi F¹, Bittner S¹, Gonzalez-Escamilla G¹, Zipp F¹, Meuth SG³, Groppa S¹.

Author information

1: Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Research Center for Immunology (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
2: Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Research Center for Immunology (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany/Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Neurobiology and Medical Genetics, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova.
3: Department of Neurology, University of Munster, Munster, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Currently, no unequivocal predictors of disease evolution exist in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Cortical atrophy measurements are, however, closely associated with cumulative disability.

OBJECTIVE:

Here, we aim to forecast longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-driven cortical atrophy and clinical disability from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers.

METHODS:

We analyzed CSF fractions of albumin and immunoglobulins (Ig) A, G, and M and their CSF to serum quotients.

RESULTS:

Widespread atrophy was highly associated with increased baseline CSF concentrations and quotients of albumin and IgA. Patients with increased CSF_IgA and CSF_IgM showed higher functional disability at follow-up.