New blood test may help predict worsening disability in multiple sclerosis?

Yes, a new blood test that measures levels of a protein called neurofilament light chain (NfL) may help predict worsening disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). NfL is a marker of nerve damage, and its levels are elevated in people with MS.

A blood test that measures elevations in neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) could warn of worsening disability up to 2 years before it occurs, a new study suggests. Rising NfL levels are a known indicator of neuroaxonal injury and correlate with MS disease activity.

A recent study published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that people with elevated NfL levels had a higher risk of worsening disability, even if they had no clinical relapse. The study also found that NfL levels started to rise up to two years before disability worsened.

This suggests that the NfL blood test could be used to identify people with MS who are at risk of worsening disability. This information could be used to guide treatment decisions and to help people with MS plan for the future.

The NfL blood test is not yet widely available, but it is currently being used in research studies. It is hoped that the test will be more widely available in the future.

Here are some additional benefits of the NfL blood test:

• It is a non-invasive test, meaning that it does not require any needles or other invasive procedures.
• It is relatively quick and easy to perform.
• It is relatively accurate and reliable.
• It can be used to monitor disease progression over time.

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The NfL blood test is a promising new tool for predicting worsening disability in MS. It could help to improve the quality of life for people with MS by allowing them to plan for the future and to receive the treatment they need.