K index utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the assessment of patients with suspected Multiple Sclerosis

J Neuroimmunol. 2022 Dec 15:373:577992. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577992. Epub 2022 Oct 27.

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the composite role of k index in the initial assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients and to select useful cut-offs exportable in clinical practice. We analysed CSF/serum samples of 140 patients and followed-up the CIS/MS subgroup for 7 years. Our results suggest κ index as a quantitative diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in MS, significantly associated to baseline lesion load and to successive clinical course. We propose k index ≥106 as a prognostic cut-off to select patients at major risk of relapse, potentially influencing initial therapeutic decisions.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Cerebrospinal fluid; Immunoglobulin free light chains; Multiple Sclerosis; Prognosis; κ index.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains*
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains
  • Biomarkers