Open AccessNeurofilament light chain serum levels correlate with 10‐year MRI outcomes in multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Chitnis Tanuja,
Gonzalez Cindy,
Healy Brian C.,
Saxena Shrishti,
Rosso Mattia,
Barro Christian,
Michalak Zuzanna,
Paul Anu,
Kivisakk Pia,
DiazCruz Camilo,
Sattarnezhad Neda,
Pierre Isabelle V.,
Glanz Bonnie I.,
Tomic Davorka,
Kropshofer Harald,
Häring Dieter,
Leppert David,
Kappos Ludwig,
Bakshi Rohit,
Weiner Howard L.,
Kuhle Jens
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
annals of clinical and translational neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.824
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2328-9503
DOI - 10.1002/acn3.638
Subject(s) - medicine , multiple sclerosis , immunology
Objective To assess the value of annual serum neurofilament light (NfL) measures in predicting 10‐year clinical and MRI outcomes in multiple sclerosis ( MS ). Methods We identified patients in our center's C omprehensive L ongitudinal I nvestigations in M S at B righam and Women's Hospital ( CLIMB ) study enrolled within 5 years of disease onset, and with annual blood samples up to 10 years ( n = 122). Serum NfL was measured using a single molecule array ( SIMOA ) assay. An automated pipeline quantified brain T2 hyperintense lesion volume (T2 LV ) and brain parenchymal fraction ( BPF ) from year 10 high‐resolution 3T MRI scans. Correlations between averaged annual NfL and 10‐year clinical/ MRI outcomes were assessed using Spearman's correlation, univariate, and multivariate linear regression models. Results Averaged annual NfL values were negatively associated with year 10 BPF , which included averaged year 1–5 NfL values (unadjusted P < 0.01; adjusted analysis P < 0.01), and averaged values through year 10. Linear regression analyses of averaged annual NfL values showed multiple associations with T2 LV , specifically averaged year 1–5 NfL (unadjusted P < 0.01; adjusted analysis P < 0.01). Approximately 15–20% of the BPF variance and T2 LV could be predicted from early averaged annual NfL levels. Also, averaged annual NfL levels with fatigue score worsening between years 1 and 10 showed statistically significant associations. However, averaged NfL measurements were not associated with year 10 EDSS , SDMT or T25 FW in this cohort. Interpretation Serum NfL measured during the first few years after the clinical onset of MS contributed to the prediction of 10‐year MRI brain lesion load and atrophy.