Scientists Develop Blood Test To Spot MS Relapse Early
A recent study suggests that a blood test could help predict when multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are likely to experience a relapse. Researchers found that levels of a protein called neurofilament light chain (sNfL) increase significantly up to a year before an MS flare-up, offering a potential early warning system for symptom recurrence.
This discovery could allow doctors to intervene earlier, tailoring treatments and potentially slowing the progression of MS. According to lead researcher Maria Martinez-Serrat from the Medical University of Graz, measuring sNfL could become a valuable part of routine monitoring, helping clinicians anticipate disease activity and personalize patient care.
MS is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells, causing lasting damage that affects movement, vision, mood, and memory. Patients typically experience periods of remission between relapses, during which symptoms improve. The study analyzed data from 162 MS patients over about ten years to understand how sNfL levels change over time and if they can signal upcoming relapses.
The findings showed that elevated sNfL levels were a reliable predictor of relapse but only in patients who were symptom-free at the time. High levels during an active relapse reflect ongoing nerve damage, limiting the test’s ability to forecast events while symptoms are present. Additionally, sNfL levels stayed high for up to nine months after a relapse, indicating prolonged recovery.
While promising, researchers emphasize that sNfL is just one marker among many in understanding MS. Martinez-Serrat noted that future studies should explore combining this protein’s levels with other indicators to better predict the course of the disease and improve patient outcomes.
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