Evaluation of multiple sclerosis severity using a new OCT tool

PurposeTo assess the ability of a new posterior pole protocol to detect areas with significant differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness in patients with multiple sclerosis versus healthy control subjects; in addition, to assess the correlation between RNFL and GCL thickness, disease duration, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). MethodsWe analyzed 66 eyes of healthy control subjects and 100 eyes of remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patients. Double analysis based on first clinical symptom onset (CSO) and conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS) was performed. The RR-MS group was divided into subgroups by CSO and CDMS year: CSO-1 (& LE; 5 years) and CSO-2 (& GE; 6 years), and CDMS-1 (& LE; 5 years) and CDMS-2 (& GE; 6 years). ResultsSignificant differences in RNFL and GCL thickness were found between the RR-MS group and the healthy controls and between the CSO and CDMS subgroups and in both layers. Moderate to strong correlations were found between RNFL and GCL thickness and CSO and CDMS. Furthermore, we observed a strong correlation with EDSS 1 year after the OCT examination. ConclusionsThe posterior pole protocol is a useful tool for assessing MS and can reveal differences even in early stages of the disease. RNFL thickness shows a strong correlation with disability status, while GCL thickness correlates better with disease duration.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the ability of a new posterior pole protocol to detect differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness between patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls, as well as the correlations between RNFL and GCL thickness, disease duration, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The results showed significant differences in RNFL and GCL thickness between the MS group and the control group, as well as between different subgroups based on clinical symptom onset and conversion to clinically definite MS. Moderate to strong correlations were found between RNFL and GCL thickness and clinical symptom onset, conversion to clinically definite MS, and EDSS.