Urinary free kappa light chain levels in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis.
Previous studies have shown elevated levels of free kappa light chains (FKLC) in the urine of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The levels correlated well with clinical relapses, indicating that they could serve as useful markers of disease activity. In this study, we performed monthly measurements of urinary FKLC in patients with the chronic progressive form of MS, and correlated them with clinical indicators of disease activity, as expressed by Kurtzke's expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We noted wide fluctuations in the FKLC levels, which correlated poorly with EDSS scores or MRI changes. Longer follow-up periods may be needed before definite conclusions can be drawn.
Constantinescu
C S
CS
Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Mehta
P D
PD
Rostami
A M
AM
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / Q000652:urine*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000652:urine*
D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains