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Abstract
Objectives: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) immunoglobulin G (IgG) (aquaporin-4 [AQP4] IgG) is highly specific for NMO and related disorders, and autoantibody detection has become an essential investigation in patients with demyelinating disease. However, although different techniques are now used, no multicenter comparisons have been performed. This study compares the sensitivity and specificity of different assays, including an in-house flow cytometric assay and 2 commercial assays (ELISA and transfected cell-based assay [CBA]).
Methods: Six assay methods (in-house or commercial) were performed in 2 international centers using coded serum from patients with NMO (35 patients), NMO spectrum disorders (25 patients), relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (39 patients), miscellaneous autoimmune diseases (25 patients), and healthy subjects (22 subjects).
Results: The highest sensitivities were yielded by assays detecting IgG binding to cells expressing recombinant AQP4 with quantitative flow cytometry (77; 46 of 60) or visual observation (CBA, 73%; 44 of 60). The fluorescence immunoprecipitation assay and tissue-based immunofluorescence assay were least sensitive (48%–53%). The CBA and ELISA commercial assays (100% specific) yielded sensitivities of 68% (41 of 60) and 60% (36 of 60), respectively, and sensitivity of 72% (43 of 60) when used in combination.
Conclusions: The greater sensitivity and excellent specificity of second-generation recombinant antigen-based assays for detection of NMO-IgG in a clinical setting should enable earlier diagnosis of NMO spectrum disorders and prompt initiation of disease-appropriate therapies.
GLOSSARY
- AQP4=
- aquaporin-4;
- CBA=
- cell-based assay;
- E=
- EUROIMMUN;
- FACS=
- fluorescence-activated cell sorting;
- FIPA =
- fluorescence immunoprecipitation assay;
- IgG=
- immunoglobulin G;
- IIF=
- indirect immunofluorescence;
- M=
- Mayo;
- MS=
- multiple sclerosis;
- NMO=
- neuromyelitis optica;
- NMOSD=
- neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder;
- O=
- Oxford;
- R=
- RSR/Kronus;
- ROC=
- receiver operating characteristic curve
Footnotes
Study funding: Supported in part by The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation and NIH (NS065829-01). P.J.W., M.I.L., J.P., and A.Vincent are supported by the NIHR and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.
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Supplemental data at www.neurology.org
- Received May 19, 2011.
- Accepted August 12, 2011.
- Copyright © 2012 by AAN Enterprises, Inc.
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