According to a new study conducted by researchers at University of California in San Francisco and published in Jama Neurology, patients with multiple sclerosis whose blood tests reveal an elevated NfL (Neurofilament Light Chain)a biomarker of nerve damage, might see worsening disability a year or two later.
This study is the first to quantify the time interval before disease worsens disability in which injury to the central nervous system occurs. “This increase in NfL up to two years before signs of worsening disability represents the window in which interventions can prevent worsening,” Professor said Ahmed Abdelhakdoctor who authored the research.
The researchers found that elevated NfL levels were associated with up to a 91% greater risk of worsening MS disability with relapse nearly one year later, and up to a 49% greater risk of worsening disability without recurrence nearly two years later. After.
“In addition to the groundbreaking findings on the temporal relationship between increases in NfL and gradual disease progression in MS, the study supports the important role of NfL as an early indicator of nerve damage,” said co-senior author Jens Kuhle. Future investigations will examine therapies that can halt progression during this period of elevated NfL.
Abstract of the article published in Jama Neurology
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