Promising Biomarker Identified for Early Detection of Multiple Sclerosis
Researchers from the Department of Neurology at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. Their study has confirmed that measuring the thickness of retinal layers in the eye can significantly enhance the early detection and prediction of MS progression.
Utilizing an existing procedure available at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, the researchers have demonstrated the potential of this approach to improve patient outcomes. By examining 267 MS patients over a five-year period, the team, led by Gabriel Bsteh and Thomas Berger, collaborated with colleagues from the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometrics to explore the role of retinal layers in MS diagnosis.
This study builds upon previous research conducted in 2022, which established a correlation between retinal damage and brain damage caused by MS relapses. The earlier study also revealed that a 5-micrometer reduction in retinal layer thickness following optic neuritis indicated a twofold increase in the risk of permanent disability after subsequent relapses. With the new research conducted on a large cohort of MS patients, the team has now validated the use of retinal layer thickness as a precise biomarker for early diagnosis.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by autoimmune responses that lead to inflammation and nerve cell loss in the nervous system. Often, patients do not experience noticeable symptoms during the early stages of the disease, resulting in delayed diagnosis and missed opportunities for timely treatment.
The discovery of this biomarker offers great promise for improving the detection and management of MS. By identifying MS at an earlier stage and accurately predicting its progression, healthcare professionals can intervene with appropriate treatments and interventions, potentially slowing down the disease's impact and improving patient outcomes.
The findings of this study, published in the journal Neurology, contribute valuable insights to the field of MS research and pave the way for further advancements in early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. "We have identified a new biomarker for MS diagnosis, namely the retinal layer thickness, which can be likened to a window to the brain," said Bsteh