From inflammation to neurodegeneration: an exploratory pilot study of a diagnostic framework for progression in MS - Summary - MDSpire

From inflammation to neurodegeneration: an exploratory pilot study of a diagnostic framework for progression in MS

  • By

  • Tobias Hegelmaier

  • Khaldoon O. Al-Nosairy

  • Alexander Duscha

  • Antonia Lipp

  • Henrike Marie Nowitzki

  • Christiane Desel

  • Shahram Taherzadeh Amlashi

  • Léon Beyer

  • Klaus Gerwert

  • Hagen Thieme

  • Michael B. Hoffmann

  • Aiden Haghikia

  • May 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To integrate inflammatory and neurodegenerative biomarkers into a CART model to distinguish relapsing MS (RMS) from secondary progressive MS (SPMS), thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies.

Key Findings:
  • Significant thinning of RNFL and GCIPL in pwMS, more pronounced in SPMS.
  • Elevated levels of neurodegenerative markers sNfL and GFAP in pwMS, particularly higher in SPMS.
  • Increased levels of non-classic and intermediate monocytes in SPMS.
  • CART and Random Forest models achieved approximately 80% accuracy in distinguishing RMS from SPMS using sNfL, GCIPL thickness, and monocyte subsets.
Interpretation:

Combining sNfL, GCIPL thickness, and monocyte subsets offers a robust diagnostic framework for differentiating RMS from SPMS, potentially enabling earlier identification of disease progression and tailored therapeutic interventions.

Limitations:
  • Small sample size of 45 participants may limit generalizability and introduce potential biases.
  • Need for validation in larger cohorts to enhance clinical applicability.
Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests a promising diagnostic approach for MS progression, warranting further research to validate findings and improve clinical outcomes, particularly in larger, more diverse populations.

Original Source(s)

From inflammation to neurodegeneration: an exploratory pilot study of a diagnostic framework for progression in MS

  • by Tobias Hegelmaier, Khaldoon O. Al-Nosairy, Alexander Duscha, Antonia Lipp, Henrike Marie Nowitzki, Christiane Desel, Shahram Taherzadeh Amlashi, Léon Beyer, Klaus Gerwert, Hagen Thieme, Michael B. Hoffmann, Aiden Haghikia

  • May 20, 2026

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