New prognostic marker in Multiple Sclerosis

Paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) have been linked to higher clinical disease severity and relapse frequency. However, it remains unclear whether PRLs predict future, long-term disease progression.

In a new study aimed to assess whether baseline PRLs were associated with subsequent long-term (10 years) Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) increase and relapse frequency and, if so, whether PRL-associated EDSS increase was mediated by relapse.

The authors concluded PRLs are a marker of aggressive ongoing disease inflammatory activity, including more frequent future clinical relapses and greater long-term, relapse-independent disability progression.

Source: Multiple Sclerosis