University of Perugia

Author Of 2 Presentations

Clinical Outcome Measures Poster Presentation

P0085 - Harmonization of real-world studies in multiple sclerosis: retrospective analysis from the RIReMS group (ID 687)

Abstract

Background

Worldwide multiple sclerosis (MS) centers have coordinated their efforts to use data acquired in clinical practice for real-world observational studies.

Objectives

In this retrospective study, we aim to harmonize outcome measures, and to evaluate their heterogeneity within the Rising Italian Researchers in MS (RIReMS) study group.

Methods

RIReMS members filled in a structured questionnaire evaluating the use of different outcome measures in clinical practice. Thereafter, thirty-four already-published papers from RIReMS centers were used for heterogeneity analyses, using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects method to compute the between-study variance (τ2).

Results

Based on questionnaire results, we defined basic modules for diagnosis and follow-up, consisting of outcome measures recorded by all participating centers at the time of diagnosis, and, then, at least annually; we also defined more detailed/optional modules, with outcome measures recorded less frequently and/or in the presence of specific clinical indications. Looking at heterogeneity, we found 5-year variance in age at onset (ES=27.34; 95%CI=26.18, 28.49; p<0.01; τ2=4.76), and 7% in female percent (ES=66.42; 95%CI=63.08, 69.76; p<0.01; τ2=7.15). EDSS variance was 0.2 in studies including patients with average age <36.1 years (ES=1.96; 95%CI=1.69, 2.24; p<0.01; τ2=0.19), or from 36.8 to 41.1 years (ES=2.70; 95%CI=2.39, 3.01; p<0.01; τ2=0.18), but increased to 3 in studies including patients aged >41.4 years (ES=4.37; 95%CI=3.40, 5.35; p<0.01; τ2=2.96). The lowest variance of relapse rate was found in studies with follow-up duration ≤2 years (ES=9.07; 95%CI=5.21, 12.93; p=0.02; τ2=5.53), whilst the lowest variance in EDSS progression was found in studies with follow-up duration >2 years (ES=5.41; 95%CI=3.22, 7.60; p=0.02; τ2=1.00).

Conclusions

We suggest common sets of biomarkers to be acquired in clinical practice, that can be used for research purposes. Also, we provide researchers with specific indications for improving inclusion criteria and data analysis, ultimately allowing data harmonization and high-quality collaborative studies.

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Biomarkers and Bioinformatics Poster Presentation

P0094 - Inter-laboratory evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid and serum kappa free light chain measurements (ID 966)

Abstract

Background

The kappa index, calculated by dividing the cerebrospinal (CSF)/serum kappa free light chain (KFLC) ratio by the CSF/serum albumin ratio, is gaining increasing interest as an indirect marker of intrathecal activation of the humoral immune response. The demonstration of intrathecal synthesis is of particular relevance in the diagnostic work-up of suspected Multiple Sclerosis. However, the lack of consistent data on inter-laboratory agreement in CSF and serum KFLC measurements is one of the factors that hamper the use of kappa index in routine practice.

Objectives

Aim of this study was to assess agreement in CSF and serum KFLC measurements and kappa index values across different laboratories.

Methods

Fifteen paired CSF and serum samples were analyzed in all participating laboratories (nr=8). Four centers used Binding Site instruments and assays, 3 centers used Siemens instruments and assays, and one center used a Siemens instrument and a Binding Site assay.

Absolute individual agreement between laboratories was calculated using a two-way mixed effects intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to measure inter-laboratory agreement on positive (5.8) kappa index values.

Results

Within Binding Site laboratories, ICC for KFLC measurements was 0.96 (95%CI: 0.9-0.98) for CSF, 0.93 (95%CI: 0.63-0.98) for serum and 0.97 (95%CI: 0.94-0.99) for kappa index values. Within Siemens laboratories, ICC for KFLC measurements was 0.99 (95%CI: 0.97-100) for CSF, 0.93 (95%CI: 0.48-0.98) for serum and 0.95 (95%CI: 0.89-0.98) for kappa index values. ICC calculated for all laboratories was 0.93 (95%CI: 0.87-0.97) for CSF KFLC, 0.81 (95%CI: 0.53-0.93) for serum KFLC and 0.65 (95%CI: 0.43-0.84) for kappa index. Cohen's kappa coefficient for a positive kappa index was 0.89 across Binding Site laboratories, 0.70 across Siemens laboratories, and 0.77 across all laboratories.

Conclusions

There was an excellent agreement in CSF KFLC measurements and in kappa index values within laboratories using the same instrument and assay (Binding Site or Siemens), while serum KFLC measurements were less concordant. Agreement across all laboratories was decreased when including the laboratory using a Siemens instrument coupled with a Binding Site assay in the analyses. Concordance for a positive kappa index was substantial across all laboratories and within Siemens laboratories, and very good within Binding Site laboratories.

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