Page 12 - Multiple Sclerosis Ms News Today

Spikes in neurofilament light chain levels occur about 1 year before clinical signs of disease worsening in multiple sclerosis, new research suggests.

The first randomized trial of a disease-modifying therapy in radiological isolated syndrome, the earliest pre-clinical phase of MS, suggests dimethyl fumarate reduced the risk of a first clinical event by 80%.

Two studies report few complications from continuing ocrelizumab and natalizumab into pregnancy, with high live birth rates, a decline in elective abortions, and few major congenital abnormalities in newborns.

The central vein sign is an emerging neuroimaging biomarker for multiple sclerosis that may reduce the need for lumbar puncture to detect oligoclonal bands in CSF, a pilot study shows.

High-efficacy therapies for multiple sclerosis have improved disease outcomes for many patients, but physicians are uncertain when to use them.

Experts make the case for inclusion of optic nerve lesions as a key diagnostic measure of MS.

Measuring rate of force development, or explosive strength, may help identify patients with multiple sclerosis at increased risk for falls.

Lower cardiorespiratory fitness predicts increased variability in stride time in people with MS and may serve as a biomarker of function decline.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is linked to significantly lower relapse rates than fingolimod in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. But adverse events are common.

The findings of the analysis should be encouraging to physicians who may view patients with LGS as not benefiting from treatment.