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Review
. 2022 Oct;22(10):675-688.
doi: 10.1007/s11910-022-01227-1. Epub 2022 Oct 21.

An Update on Diagnostic Laboratory Biomarkers for Multiple Sclerosis

Marwa Kaisey  1 , Ghazal Lashgari  2 , Justyna Fert-Bober  2 , Daniel Ontaneda  3 , Andrew J Solomon  4 , Nancy L Sicotte  2
Affiliations
Review

An Update on Diagnostic Laboratory Biomarkers for Multiple Sclerosis

Marwa Kaisey et al. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose: For many patients, the multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnostic process can be lengthy, costly, and fraught with error. Recent research aims to address the unmet need for an accurate and simple diagnostic process through discovery of novel diagnostic biomarkers. This review summarizes recent studies on MS diagnostic fluid biomarkers, with a focus on blood biomarkers, and includes discussion of technical limitations and practical applicability.

Recent findings: This line of research is in its early days. Accurate and easily obtainable biomarkers for MS have not yet been identified and validated, but several approaches to uncover them are underway. Continue efforts to define laboratory diagnostic biomarkers are likely to play an increasingly important role in defining MS at the earliest stages, leading to better long-term clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Diagnosis; Multiple Sclerosis.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance
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    1. Solomon AJ, Corboy JR. The tension between early diagnosis and misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol. 2017;13(9):567–72. - PubMed
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    1. Kelly SB, et al. Multiple sclerosis, from referral to confirmed diagnosis: an audit of clinical practice. Mult Scler J. 2011;17(8):1017–21.

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