Myrl Jeffcoat myrlj@jps.net

15 mars, 2005 20:27

Blood Test for MS

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- People suspected of having multiple sclerosis might one day be able to have a simple blood test to confirm the diagnosis, report researchers from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and

elsewhere.

They arrived at that conclusion after comparing blood samples taken from 25 newly diagnosed MS patients and comparing them with samples from 25 healthy people of about the same age. The investigators were specifically looking for patterns in various proteins and peptides that would differentiate the MS patients from the healthy people.

A pattern was located, which in turn revealed three separate markers for the disease. "This suggests the potential for developing a blood test that could allow us to identify the earliest changes that represent MS and help in its diagnosis," says study author Jagannadha Avasarala, M.D., Ph.D.

The researchers note people suspected of having MS must today undergo an array of tests, including a physical exam and history, MRIs, and laboratory testing to determine whether or not they have the disease. Being able to

diagnosis MS with a simple blood test would significantly streamline the diagnostic process for patients and also be more cost effective for the health care system.

MS affects around 250,000 Americans, many of whom are diagnosed as young adults. The disease is characterized by weakness or numbness of the limbs, motor difficulties, speaking problems, vision problems, bladder disorders, sexual dysfunction, and other problems. SOURCE: Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, March 15, 2005

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