Predicting Multiple Sclerosis in oligoclonal band-negative patients: Free light kappa chains

Takeaway

  • In comparison to using oligoclonal bands (OCB) to predict the probability of a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, kappa index value may be a more sensitive marker of intrathecal IgG synthesis.

Why this matters

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) free light kappa chains (kappa FLC) may be a more sensitive marker of intrathecal IgG synthesis compared to oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and contribute to the identification of OCB-negative patients with a high probability of a MS diagnosis.

  • These techniques may lead to the improvement in the diagnostic performance of the kappa index as well as better define the role of the lambda index.