Evaluating the feasibility of a remote sampling method for neurofilament light chain measurements in Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Neurofilament light (NfL) is a biomarker of axonal damage, typically measured in CSF or venous blood. There is growing interest in the utility of remote sampling methods however limited studies of feasibility exist.

METHODS

45 people with MS undergoing lumbar puncture were recruited and had at least one sample included. NfL levels from different biofluids and sampling methods were examined at baseline: CSF (n = 43), venous plasma (n = 29) and finger-prick dried plasma spots (fDPS, n = 39). Participants were then asked to self-collect fDPS at two, four and six months after enrolment.

RESULTS

Levels of NfL were highest in CSF with a geometric mean of 449.78 pg/ml (95% CI 334.25-605.26) compared to plasma, 71.48 pg/ml (95% CI 57.04-89.57) or fDPS 4.02pg/ml (95% CI 3.03-5.36). There was a strong correlation between CSF and venous plasma NfL, (r = 0.78, r2=0.61, p < 0.001); and venous plasma and fDPS NfL, (r = 0.71, r2=0.50, p < 0.005); and a moderate correlation between CSF and fDPS, (r = 0.44, r2=0.20, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Remote self-collection of fDPS was feasible in our study with NfL levels strongly correlating with plasma while capturing CSF trends. Additionally, NfL remained stable over six months in a clinically stable population, supporting the reliability of the assay.