30 Apr Multiple Sclerosis: Elevated IgG Linked to Risk of More Severe Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Prof. Hemmer
Prof. Bernhard Hemmer MD PhD
Director of the Neurology Clinic
Technische Universität München
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: The course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still highly unpredictable and reliable markers to predict disability progression are largely missing. We found that patients with a high IgG Index, which means that the produce large amount of IgG within the CNS, have a higher risk of disease worsening during the first 4 years. I would consider patients with an elevated IgG index at a higher risk to run a more severe disease course. The marker could be used together with others to guide treatment decisions after multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Perform a spinal tap during the diagnostic work up in multiple sclerosis . CSF findings help to exclude differential diagnoses, increase diagnostic accuracy and may help allow better prediction of prognosis. Should be done in every patient
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?
Response: We need long term prospective studies to demonstrate that the marker has a predictive value for long term outcome. It would also be important understand the pathomechanistic link between intrathecal IgG synthesis and disease worsening.
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Last Updated on April 30, 2019 by Marie Benz MD FAAD