No prognostic value of routine cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in a population-based cohort of 407 multiple sclerosis patients.

Background: We aimed to determine the association of clinical and routine cerebrospinal fluid biochemical markers (total protein, IgG index and oligoclonal bands) with disability in multiple sclerosis and whether these biomarkers assessed at diagnosis add prognostic value.

Methods: We followed a cohort of patients included in the Multiple Sclerosis Lorraine Register (eastern France) who had a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis for at least 5 years, as well as biological markers values and MRI findings (Barkhof's criteria). In a Cox regression model, endpoint was time to score of 4 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (i.e., limited time walking without aid or rest for more than 500 m).

Results: For 407 patients included, the median time from multiple sclerosis onset to EDSS score 4 was 4.5 years [2.2-7.2]. Cerebrospinal fluid total protein factor < 500 mg/L was associated with EDSS score 4 on bivariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.46-0.95, p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, older age at disease onset (≥50 years) and initial primary progressive course of MS but not biological markers predicted worse prognosis.

Conclusion: Routine cerebrospinal fluid biological markers at diagnosis were not prognostic factors of multiple sclerosis progression.