Clinical use of κ free light chains index as a screeningtest for multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the usefulness of the κ free light chain index (κFLCi) as a screening test to identify patients with suspected MS. Methods: The study included 56 patients with a request to test for oligoclonal bands (OCBs). OCBs were detected by isoelectric focusing, followed by immunofixation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum κFLC were measured by a turbidimetric assay. Also, the κFLC index (κFLCi) was calculated. Results: CSF κFLC levels and κFLCi were significantly higher in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in patients with other neurological diseases (NDs; P