Intrathecal oligoclonal bands synthesis in multiple sclerosis: is it always a prognostic factor?

BACKGROUND: Oligoclonal IgM (OCMB) and IgG (OCGB) bands were found to be associated with poor multiple sclerosis (MS) prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of OCMB/OCGB in a cohort of Sardinian MS patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited patients from the University of Cagliari. They underwent lumbar puncture for diagnostic purposes. Demographic and the following clinical data were recorded: clinical course; time to reach EDSS 3 and 6; EDSS at last follow-up; and MS treatments. The influence of gender, clinical course, age at onset, treatments, and OCGB/OCMB on reaching EDSS 3 was analysed using Cox regression. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to study the time to reach EDSS 3 considering OCMB/OCGB and therapies.

RESULTS: The enrolled number of subjects was 503. The variables influencing the achievement of EDSS 3.0 were: male gender (p = 0.005); progressive course (p = 0.001); age at onset (p < 0.001); and disease-modifying drugs (p < 0.001). The OCGB/OCMB status was not significant. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference in time to reach EDSS 3 for patients with and without OCGB or OCMB in both treated and non-treated groups.

CONCLUSION: Our study did not confirm the poor prognostic value of OCMB/OCGB. These results may be influenced by the peculiar genetic background associated with the risk of MS in Sardinians.