Oligoclonal band count as a marker of disease activity and progression in multiple sclerosis: A multicenter study

• Published in: Journal of clinical neuroscience 2024-08, Vol.126, p.353-360
• Main Authors: Tunç, Abdulkadir, Seferoğlu, Meral, Sıvacı, Ali Özhan, Köktürk, Mevrehan Dilber, Akbaş, Alihan Abdullah, Bozkurt, Beyzanur, Öncel, Samet
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cerebrospinal fluid; Disease progression; Immunoglobulin G; Multiple sclerosis; Oligoclonal bands
• ISSN: 0967-5868; 1532-2653; 1532-2653
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.07.013

•Limited studies address the prognostic value of OCB counts in MS.•Higher OCB counts are associated with more upper cervical and T2 lesions in MS.•No significant association found between OCB count and EDSS or ARR.•Elevated IgG index and OCB positivity correlate with increased disability and relapse rates.•Comprehensive CSF analysis is crucial for effective MS management. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers provide critical insights into the pathophysiology and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), as this study aimed to investigate the relationships between CSF oligoclonal band (OCB) counts and the clinical course and short-term prognosis of MS patients. A retrospective cohort analysis covering a five-year period was conducted at two MS centers. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, MRI findings, EDSS scores, annualized relapse rate (ARR) in the first two years, and CSF analyses were analyzed. Among 310 patients, the ages ranged from 19 to 73 years, with a mean age of 38 years. OCBs were detected in 86.5 % (n = 268) of the patients. Those with a greater number of OCB bands had significantly more upper cervical lesions and T2 lesions (p