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Journal of Neurology

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02-07-2023 | Multiple Sclerosis | Review

Serum levels of neurofilament light chains in pediatric multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Alexandru-Ştefan Niculae, Lucia-Elena Niculae, Cristiana Văcăraş, Vitalie Văcăraş

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 10/2023

Abstract

Background

Multiple sclerosis is a neuro-inflammatory disease that affects adults and children and causes somatic and cognitive symptoms. Diagnosis after the first clinical symptoms is challenging, involves laboratory and magnetic resonance imaging work-up and is often inconclusive unless subsequent clinical attacks occur. Neurofilament light chains are structural proteins within neurons. Levels of this marker in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and serum are consistently higher in patients with an initial clinical demyelinating attack that later go on to develop multiple sclerosis. Evidence concerning serum levels of this biomarker in children with multiple sclerosis is scarce. Our aim is to review and analyze the evidence available for patients with multiple sclerosis, under the age of 18.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database, and ProQuest. Human studies that provided data on serum levels of Neurofilament light chains in pediatric patients with MS, measured at the time of the first demyelinating attack and before treatment were included in meta-analysis.

Results

Three studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. 157 pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis and 270 hospital-based controls that did not present with this condition were included in the analysis. A fixed effects meta-analysis showed that the standardized mean difference between patients and controls is 1.82, with a 95% confidence interval of [1.56–2.08].

Conclusion

Pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis show higher levels of serum neurofilament light chains at their first clinical demyelinating attack compared to pediatric hospital-based controls.

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Title: Serum levels of neurofilament light chains in pediatric multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alexandru-Ştefan Niculae
Lucia-Elena Niculae
Cristiana Văcăraş
Vitalie Văcăraş
Publication date: 02-07-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis
Biomarkers
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 10/2023
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-023-11841-9

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Serum levels of neurofilament light chains in pediatric multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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