Key clinical point: Both elevated levels of baseline serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) and increasing levels from a low baseline were associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, indicating the utility of sNfL in identifying patients who may benefit from early treatment optimization.
Major finding: A 2-fold increase in baseline sNfL was associated with a 1.9-fold increased risk for relapse during follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.90; P < .01) and a 2-fold longitudinal increase in sNfL from its first measurement increased the risk for relapse by 1.41-fold (aHR 1.41; P = .04).
Study details: Findings are from an analysis of 58 patients with active MS who were prospectively followed for 1 year as a part of clinical trial.
Disclosures: This study received funding from the MS Society of Canada, Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla, and Research Manitoba. The authors reported no conflict of interests.
Source: Thebault S et al. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022;59:103535 (Jan 18). Doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103535