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Krämer J, Balloff C, Weise M, Koska V, Uthmeier Y, Esderts I, Nguyen-Minh M, Zimmerhof M, Hartmann A, Dietrich M, Ingwersen J, Lee JI, Havla J, Kümpfel T, Kerschensteiner M, Häußler V, Heesen C, Stellmann JP, Zimmermann HG, Oertel FC, Ringelstein M, Brandt AU, Paul F, Aktas O, Hartung HP, Wiendl H, Meuth SG, Albrecht P. Evolution of retinal degeneration and prediction of disease activity in relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5243. [PMID: 38897994 PMCID: PMC11187157 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49309-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal optical coherence tomography has been identified as biomarker for disease progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), while the dynamics of retinal atrophy in progressive MS are less clear. We investigated retinal layer thickness changes in RRMS, primary and secondary progressive MS (PPMS, SPMS), and their prognostic value for disease activity. Here, we analyzed 2651 OCT measurements of 195 RRMS, 87 SPMS, 125 PPMS patients, and 98 controls from five German MS centers after quality control. Peripapillary and macular retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL, mRNFL) thickness predicted future relapses in all MS and RRMS patients while mRNFL and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness predicted future MRI activity in RRMS (mRNFL, GCIPL) and PPMS (GCIPL). mRNFL thickness predicted future disability progression in PPMS. However, thickness change rates were subject to considerable amounts of measurement variability. In conclusion, retinal degeneration, most pronounced of pRNFL and GCIPL, occurs in all subtypes. Using the current state of technology, longitudinal assessments of retinal thickness may not be suitable on a single patient level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krämer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Carolin Balloff
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Kliniken Maria Hilf, Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Margit Weise
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Valeria Koska
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yannik Uthmeier
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Isabell Esderts
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mai Nguyen-Minh
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Moritz Zimmerhof
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Michael Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jens Ingwersen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - John-Ih Lee
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Havla
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University München, München, Germany
| | - Tania Kümpfel
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University München, München, Germany
| | - Martin Kerschensteiner
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University München, München, Germany
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University München, München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Vivien Häußler
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Heesen
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Patrick Stellmann
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS-CRMBM, UMR, 7339, Marseille, France
- APHM La Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Hanna G Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frederike C Oertel
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marius Ringelstein
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, LVR-Klinikum, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexander U Brandt
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Orhan Aktas
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Kliniken Maria Hilf, Mönchengladbach, Germany.
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Alba-Arbalat S, Solana E, Lopez-Soley E, Camos-Carreras A, Martinez-Heras E, Vivó F, Pulido-Valdeolivas I, Andorra M, Sepulveda M, Cabrera JM, Fonseca E, Calvi A, Alcubierre R, Dotti-Boada M, Saiz A, Martinez-Lapiscina EH, Villoslada P, Blanco Y, Sanchez-Dalmau B, Llufriu S. Predictive value of retinal atrophy for cognitive decline across disease duration in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:419-425. [PMID: 37989566 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-332332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the association between changes in retinal thickness and cognition in people with MS (PwMS), exploring the predictive value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) markers of neuroaxonal damage for global cognitive decline at different periods of disease. METHOD We quantified the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre (pRFNL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform (GCIPL) layers thicknesses of 207 PwMS and performed neuropsychological evaluations. The cohort was divided based on disease duration (≤5 years or >5 years). We studied associations between changes in OCT and cognition over time, and assessed the risk of cognitive decline of a pRFNL≤88 µm or GCIPL≤77 µm and its predictive value. RESULTS Changes in pRFNL and GCIPL thickness over 3.2 years were associated with evolution of cognitive scores, in the entire cohort and in patients with more than 5 years of disease (p<0.01). Changes in cognition were related to less use of disease-modifying drugs, but not OCT metrics in PwMS within 5 years of onset. A pRFNL≤88 µm was associated with earlier cognitive disability (3.7 vs 9.9 years) and higher risk of cognitive deterioration (HR=1.64, p=0.022). A GCIPL≤77 µm was not associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline, but a trend was observed at ≤91.5 µm in PwMS with longer disease (HR=1.81, p=0.061). CONCLUSIONS The progressive retinal thinning is related to cognitive decline, indicating that cognitive dysfunction is a late manifestation of accumulated neuroaxonal damage. Quantifying the pRFNL aids in identifying individuals at risk of cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salut Alba-Arbalat
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Solana
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Lopez-Soley
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Eloy Martinez-Heras
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Vivó
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Pulido-Valdeolivas
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magi Andorra
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sepulveda
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose María Cabrera
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elianet Fonseca
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Neurology Department, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alberto Calvi
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafel Alcubierre
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Dotti-Boada
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Saiz
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena H Martinez-Lapiscina
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Villoslada
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yolanda Blanco
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Sara Llufriu
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging in Neuroimmunological Diseases, Fundacio Recerca Clinic Barcelona -IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
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Wei S, Du Y, Luo M, Song R. Development of a predictive model for predicting disability after optic neuritis: a secondary analysis of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1326261. [PMID: 38268999 PMCID: PMC10807422 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1326261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The present study aimed to develop a prediction model for predicting developing debilities after optic neuritis. Methods The data for this research was obtained from the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT). The predictive model was built based on a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Model performance was assessed using Harrell's C-index for discrimination, calibration plots for calibration, and stratification of patients into low-risk and high-risk groups for utility evaluation. Results A total of 416 patients participated. Among them, 101 patients (24.3%) experienced disability, which was defined as achieving or surpassing a score of 3 on the expanded disability status scale. The median follow-up duration was 15.5 years (interquartile range, 7.0 to 16.8). Two predictors in the final predictive model included the classification of multiple sclerosis at baseline and the condition of the optic disk in the affected eye at baseline. Upon incorporating these two factors into the model, the model's C-index stood at 0.71 (95% CI, 0.66-0.76, with an optimism of 0.005) with a favorable alignment with the calibration curve. By utilizing this model, the ONTT cohort can be categorized into two risk categories, each having distinct rates of disability development within a 15-year timeframe (high-risk group, 41% [95% CI, 31-49%] and low-risk group, 13% [95% CI, 8.4-17%]; log-rank p-value of <0.001). Conclusion This predictive model has the potential to assist physicians in identifying individuals at a heightened risk of experiencing disability following optic neuritis, enabling timely intervention and treatment.
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Recent Progress in the Identification of Early Transition Biomarkers from Relapsing-Remitting to Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054375. [PMID: 36901807 PMCID: PMC10002756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research into the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and recent developments in potent disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), two-thirds of relapsing-remitting MS patients transition to progressive MS (PMS). The main pathogenic mechanism in PMS is represented not by inflammation but by neurodegeneration, which leads to irreversible neurological disability. For this reason, this transition represents a critical factor for the long-term prognosis. Currently, the diagnosis of PMS can only be established retrospectively based on the progressive worsening of the disability over a period of at least 6 months. In some cases, the diagnosis of PMS is delayed for up to 3 years. With the approval of highly effective DMTs, some with proven effects on neurodegeneration, there is an urgent need for reliable biomarkers to identify this transition phase early and to select patients at a high risk of conversion to PMS. The purpose of this review is to discuss the progress made in the last decade in an attempt to find such a biomarker in the molecular field (serum and cerebrospinal fluid) between the magnetic resonance imaging parameters and optical coherence tomography measures.
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Wang L, Tan H, Yu J, ZhangBao J, Huang W, Chang X, Zhou L, Lu C, Xiao Y, Lu J, Zhao C, Wang M, Wu X, Wu M, Dong Q, Ngew KY, Quan C. Baseline retinal nerve fiber layer thickness as a predictor of multiple sclerosis progression: New insights from the FREEDOMS II study. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:443-452. [PMID: 36286605 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim was to evaluate the potential of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) measured with optical coherence tomography in predicting disease progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). METHODS Analyses were conducted post hoc of this 24-month, phase III, double-blind study, in which RRMS patients were randomized (1:1:1) to once daily oral fingolimod 0.5 mg, 1.25 mg or placebo. The key outcomes were the association between baseline RNFLT and baseline clinical characteristics and clinical/imaging outcomes up to 24 months. Change of RNFLT with fingolimod versus placebo within 24 months and time to retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning were evaluated. RESULTS Altogether 885 patients were included. At baseline, lower RNFLT was correlated with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score (r = -1.085, p = 0.018), lower brain volume (r = 0.025, p = 0.006) and deep gray matter volume (r = 0.731, p < 0.0001), worse visual acuity (r = -19.846, p < 0.0001) and longer duration since diagnosis (r = -0.258, p = 0.018). At month 12, low baseline RNFLT (<86 μm) versus high baseline RNFLT (≥99 μm) was associated with a greater brain volume loss (percentage change -0.605% vs. -0.315%, p = 0.035) in patients without optic neuritis history. At month 24, low baseline RNFLT versus high baseline RNFLT was associated with a higher number of new or newly enlarged T2 lesions (mean number 4.0 vs. 2.8, p = 0.014) and a higher risk of subsequent RNFL thinning (hazard ratio 2.55; 95% confidence interval 1.84-3.53; p < 0.001). The atrophy of the RNFL in the inferior quadrant was alleviated with fingolimod 0.5 mg versus placebo at month 24 (Δ(least squares mean) = 1.8, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness could predict disease progression in RRMS. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00355134, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00355134.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmei Tan
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingzi ZhangBao
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Huang
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuechun Chang
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanzhen Lu
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqin Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahong Lu
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyun Wu
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kok Yew Ngew
- Novartis Corporation (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Chao Quan
- Department of Neurology and Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Noll C, Hiltensperger M, Aly L, Wicklein R, Afzali AM, Mardin C, Gasperi C, Berthele A, Hemmer B, Korn T, Knier B. Association of the retinal vasculature, intrathecal immunity, and disability in multiple sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997043. [PMID: 36439131 PMCID: PMC9695398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a novel technique allowing non-invasive assessment of the retinal vasculature. During relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), retinal vessel loss occurs in eyes suffering from acute optic neuritis and recent data suggest that retinal vessel loss might also be evident in non-affected eyes. We investigated whether alterations of the retinal vasculature are linked to the intrathecal immunity and whether they allow prognostication of the future disease course. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study includes two different patient cohorts recruited at a tertiary German academic multiple sclerosis center between 2018 and 2020 and a cohort of 40 healthy controls. A total of 90 patients with RRMS undergoing lumbar puncture and OCT-A analysis were enrolled into a cross-sectional cohort study to search for associations between the retinal vasculature and the intrathecal immune compartment. We recruited another 86 RRMS patients into a prospective observational cohort study who underwent clinical examination, OCT-A and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and during annual follow-up visits to clarify whether alterations of the retinal vessels are linked to RRMS disease activity. Eyes with a history of optic neuritis were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS Rarefication of the superficial vascular complex occured during RRMS and was linked to higher frequencies of activated B cells and higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-17 in the cerebrospinal fluid. During a median follow-up of 23 (interquartile range 14 - 25) months, vessel loss within the superficial (hazard ratio [HR] 1.6 for a 1%-point decrease in vessel density, p=0.01) and deep vascular complex (HR 1.6 for a 1%-point decrease, p=0.05) was associated with future disability worsening. DISCUSSION Optic neuritis independent rarefication of the retinal vasculature might be linked to neuroinflammatory processes during RRMS and might predict a worse disease course. Thus, OCT-A might be a novel biomarker to monitor disease activity and predict future disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Noll
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Hiltensperger
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lilian Aly
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebecca Wicklein
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ali Maisam Afzali
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Mardin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Gasperi
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Achim Berthele
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hemmer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Korn
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Knier
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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