The new global multiple sclerosis severity score (MSSS) correlates with axonal but not glial biomarkers

Mult Scler. 2006 Jun;12(3):325-8. doi: 10.1191/135248505ms1277oa.

Abstract

This study investigated whether the new Global Multiple Sclerosis Severity Scale (MSSS) correlated with cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for axonal and glial pathology. The MSSS correlated with the phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (NfH-SM135, R=0.44, P=0.016). The degree of neurofilament phosphorylation (ratio NfH-SM134 to NfH-SM135) was 8-fold higher in severely (median MSSS 6.5) versus mildly (MSSS 3.2) disabled patients (7.3 versus 0.9, P = 0.03). The MSSS may provide a statistically powerful tool for comparing overall disease severity and be useful for validating the biomarker concept in MS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Axons / pathology*
  • Biomarkers / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological / standards
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology*
  • Nerve Degeneration / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology
  • Neurofilament Proteins / metabolism
  • Neuroglia / pathology*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Severity of Illness Index*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Neurofilament Proteins
  • neurofilament protein H