CSF β-amyloid is not a prognostic marker in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory, demyelinating disorder. Given its variable prognosis, the identification of new prognostic biomarkers is needed.

Objectives: The aims of our study were to assess the prognostic values of CSF β-amyloid-42 (Aβ42) and β-amyloid-40 (Aβ40) levels in MS patients.

Methods: Eighty-nine (55 RRMS, 34 PPMS) patients with a recent diagnosis and 27 controls were included in this single-centre retrospective study. Clinical, MRI and CSF data have been collected and were analysed to evaluate the potential value of CSF Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels as MS biomarkers.

Results: CSF Aβ levels as well as Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio were identical in MS patients and controls. Although CSF Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels were higher in PPMS than in RRMS and in patients with higher EDSS, a multivariate analysis including age and EDSS demonstrated that only age of patients was associated with CSF amyloid levels. Additionally, 55 RRMS patients were followed for 3 years. We found no association between baseline amyloid levels and 3-year disability.

Conclusion: Our data do not support an association between CSF amyloid levels and MS status and disease severity. We suggest that CSF amyloid levels are not a prognostic biomarker in recently diagnosed RRMS.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Multiple sclerosis; Prognosis; β-amyloid.