Data from: Prognostic value of serum neurofilaments in patients with clinically isolated syndromes

Objectives: To assess the prognostic role of serum neurofilament light
chains (Nfls) for Clinically Defined Multiple Sclerosis (CDMS) and
McDonald 2017 MS in patients with Clinically Isolated Syndromes (CIS).
Methods: we retrospectively analyzed data of patients admitted at our
neurological department between 2000 to 2015 for a first demyelinating
event. We evaluated baseline serum Nfls in addition to CSF, MRI, and
clinical data. Results: Amongst 222 patients who were enrolled (mean
follow-up 100.6 months), 45 patients (20%) developed CDMS and 141 patients
(63.5%) developed 2017 MS at two years. Serum Nfls (median 22.0, IQR
11.6-40.4 pg/ml) were noticeably increased in patients who have suffered a
recent relapse, with a high number of T2 and Gd enhancing lesions at
baseline MRI. Serum Nfls were prognostic for both CDMS and McDonald 2017
MS, with a three-fold and a two-fold respective reduction in CDMS and 2017
MS risk in those patients with low and extremely low levels of Nfl. The
results remained unchanged subsequent to adjustment for such established
MS prognostic factors as oligoclonal bands’ presence, Gd-enhancing lesion,
and a high T2 lesion load at baseline MRI. Nfls were associated with
baseline disability but not at follow-up. Conclusions: Serum Nfls have a
prognostic value for CIS patient conversion to MS. Nfls might play a twin
role as biomarkers in MS as peak level measurements can act as a
quantitative marker of serious inflammatory activity, while steady-state
levels can be a reflection of neurodegenerative and chronic inflammatory
processes.