Fowler KM, Shinn RL, Rossmeisl JH, Parker RL. Evaluation of neurofilament light chain as a biomarker in dogs with structural and idiopathic epilepsy.
J Vet Intern Med 2024;
38:1577-1582. [PMID:
38509606 PMCID:
PMC11099752 DOI:
10.1111/jvim.17033]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a frequently used biomarker in humans for both diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring purposes in various neurologic diseases.
HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES
It was hypothesized that dogs with diagnosed structural epilepsy (SE) would have a significantly higher serum NfL concentrations compared to dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE). The secondary hypothesis was that dogs would have a significantly higher serum NfL concentrations when measured within 7 days after a seizure compared to being seizure-free for at least 30 days.
ANIMALS
Fifty client-owned dogs presented to the neurology service for evaluation of seizures were enrolled. Fourteen dogs had SE and 36 dogs had IE.
METHODS
Prospective cohort study performed on 52 serum samples obtained for NfL concentration measurement using single molecule array technology.
RESULTS
The median serum concentration of NfL in dogs with SE was significantly higher (109 pg/mL; range, 11.4-741.3 pg/mL) than in dogs with IE (17.7 pg/mL; range, 5.8-188 pg/mL; Wilcoxon rank sum test, P = .001). No significant relationship was found between serum NfL concentration and time of sampling in relation to the most recent seizure in dogs with IE.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Serum NfL may serve as an adjunctive biomarker for the differentiation of SE and IE.
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