Using Serum GFAP Levels to Diagnose Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Optic Neuritis
Author Information
Author(s): Mithu Storoni, Axel Petzold, Gordon T. Plant
Primary Institution: The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Can serum GFAP levels distinguish between optic neuritis related to NMO spectrum disease and other causes?
Conclusion
Serum GFAP levels are significantly higher in patients with NMO spectrum disease compared to those with MS-related optic neuritis.
Supporting Evidence
- GFAP was detectable in the serum of all but three patients.
- The median serum GFAP level in the NMO spectrum group was 4.63 pg/mL.
- A statistically significant difference was found between NMO and MS groups.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called GFAP in the blood can help doctors tell if someone has a specific type of optic nerve problem related to a disease called NMO.
Methodology
Serum samples were collected from patients with different types of optic neuritis and GFAP levels were measured using an ELISA.
Potential Biases
Potential overlap in patient groups may have affected the results.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not measure GFAP levels over time within individual patients.
Participant Demographics
{"MS_related_ON":{"White_Caucasian":6,"Non_White_Caucasian":6,"Female_to_Male_ratio":"8:3","Median_Age":32},"NMO_spectrum":{"White_Caucasian":2,"Non_White_Caucasian":8,"Female_to_Male_ratio":"7:3","Median_Age":34},"CRION":{"White_Caucasian":3,"Non_White_Caucasian":7,"Female_to_Male_ratio":"9:1","Median_Age":44},"RION":{"White_Caucasian":6,"Non_White_Caucasian":2,"Female_to_Male_ratio":"5:3","Median_Age":42}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
{"NMO":"4.36 pg/mL","MS":"2.56 pg/mL"}
Statistical Significance
p=0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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