A study of oligoclonal band negative multiple sclerosis. Issue 1 (January 1996)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zeman, A Z; Kidd, D; McLean, B N; Kelly, M A; Francis, D A; Miller, D H; Kendall, B E; Rudge, P; Thompson, E J; McDonald, W I
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 60:Issue 1(1996)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 1996-01
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.60.1.27
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVES--To determine whether oligoclonal band (OCB) negative multiple sclerosis is a reliable diagnosis and, if so, whether it has a distinctive prognosis. METHODS--Retrospective and matched prospective comparison of the clinical and laboratory features of patients with clinical definite multiple sclerosis with and without intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal IgG. RESULTS--Thirty four patients were identified with apparent OCB negative clinically definite multiple sclerosis. The results of oligoclonal banding proved to have been equivocal in 14 of 34; the clinical diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was questionable in 8 of 34. The remaining 12 patients with "true" OCB negative multiple sclerosis were significantly less disabled than matched OCB positive controls. Re-examination of CSF-serum pairs from six OCB negative patients showed that three remained OCB negative while three showed evidence of intrathecal synthesis of OCBs. CONCLUSIONS--OCB negative clinically definite multiple sclerosis is rare and should be diagnosed with caution; in unequivocal cases it seems to have a relatively benign prognosis.