Cortical N-acetyl aspartate is a predictor of long-term clinical disability in multiple sclerosis
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of the cortical N-acetyl aspartate to creatine ratio (NAA/Cr) in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
METHODS: Sixteen patients with newly diagnosed RRMS were studied by serial MRI and MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) once every 6 months for 24 months. Clinical examinations, including the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), were performed at baseline, month 24, and at year 7.
RESULTS: Baseline cortical NAA/Cr correlated inversely with EDSS at month 24 (r = -0·61, P < 0·05), and patients with EDSS ≧ 4 had a lower baseline cortical NAA/Cr compared to those with EDSS less than 4 (P < 0·05). Baseline cortical NAA/Cr also correlated inversely with EDSS at the 7-year follow-up (r = -0·56, P < 0·05), and patients with EDSS ≧ 4 had a lower baseline cortical NAA/Cr compared to those with EDSS less than 4 (P < 0·05). Baseline brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) correlated inversely with EDSS at month 24 (r = -0·61, P < 0·05), but not with EDSS at year 7.
DISCUSSION: Cortical NAA/Cr in early RRMS correlated with clinical disability after 2 and 7 years and may be used as a predictor of long-term disease outcome.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Neurological Research |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 8 |
Pages (from-to) | 701-708 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISSN | 0161-6412 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2014 |
- Adult, Aspartic Acid, Cerebral Cortex, Creatine, Disability Evaluation, Disease Progression, Female, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Male, Middle Aged, Multiple Sclerosis, Prognosis, Young Adult
Research areas
ID: 137436316