Abstract
Background: Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is an emerging biomarker for acute and chronic neuroaxonal damage in relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Evidence is increasing that sNfL levels can predict the risk of disability progression in MS.
Objective: To assess serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels in patients with relapsing and progressive MS.
Methods: We analyzed sNfL levels in a cross-sectional cohort study involving 181 patients with progressive MS (PMS). Additionally, we investigated the correlation between disease activity and sNfL levels in 341 patients with relapsing MS (RMS) using single molecule array technology.
Results: A statistically significant difference in sNfL levels (pg/mL) was observed between relapsing and progressive disease (35.2 vs 42.0, p<0.01, adjusted for age). Additionally, treatment significantly lowered sNfL levels in RMS compared to those not receiving treatment (24.4 vs 36.9, p<0.01, adjusted for age). Notably, a statistically significant difference was only seen with natalizumab and fingolimod, but not with interferons or glatiramer acetate when compared to individuals without treatment.
Conclusion: The findings support the utility of sNfL measurement to monitor MS disease activity and progression alongside magnetic resonance imaging.