Anti-myelin antibodies and the risk of relapse in patients with a primary demyelinating event

According to Berger et al. the presence of antimyelin antibodies may predict a clinically definite multiple sclerosis after a first demyelinating event (NEJM 349, 2003). Sera from 45 patients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and positive oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were retrospectively tested for the presence of IgM antibodies against both myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and myelin basic protein (MBP). Antibodies were detected by immunoblot using recombinant MOG (1–125) and human MBP antigen preparations. Clinical follow ups were, performed retrospectively by telephone inter…