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LUISA AGNELLO

Clinical Use of κ Free Light Chains Index as a Screening Test for Multiple Sclerosis

  • Authors: Agnello, Luisa; Lo Sasso, Bruna; Salemi, Giuseppe; Altavilla, Patrizia; Pappalardo, Emanuela Maria; Caldarella, Rosalia; Meli, Francesco; Scazzone, Concetta; Bivona, Giulia; Ciaccio, Marcello
  • Publication year: 2020
  • Type: Articolo in rivista
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/397669

Abstract

Objective: To assess the usefulness of the κ free light chain index (κFLCi) as a screening test to identify patients with suspected MS. Methods: The study included 56 patients with a request to test for oligoclonal bands (OCBs). OCBs were detected by isoelectric focusing, followed by immunofixation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum κFLC were measured by a turbidimetric assay. Also, the κFLC index (κFLCi) was calculated. Results: CSF κFLC levels and κFLCi were significantly higher in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in patients with other neurological diseases (NDs; P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). At the cutoff value of 2.9, the κFLCi detected MS with sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 65%. Overall, 92% patients with κFLCi of 2.9 or greater and who had tested positive for OCBs were diagnosed as having MS. Conclusion: Our findings support the use of κFLCi as a screening test when MS is suspected, followed by OCB detection as a confirmatory test