ApolipoproteinE epsilon 4 allele is not associated with disease course and severity in multiple sclerosis

Background - No study has assessed the association between apolipoproteinE (APOE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) forms grouped by also taking into account cognitive performance. Aims of the study - To assess the relationship between APOE and disease course, particularly focusing on benign MS (BMS), defined as also including cognitive preservation. Methods - In 173 consecutive patients, we assessed the association between APOE and MS course and severity. Results - Twenty-nine APOE-epsilon 4 carriers were identified. The epsilon 4 allele was not associated with BMS. Moreover, it was associated neither with other disease courses nor with the time to reach disability milestones and secondary progression. Conclusion - Although plausible, the association between APOE and MS course (particularly with BMS defined by including cognitive preservation) and disease severity remains controversial.