Blood Test and Disability in Primary Progressive MS

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Key Takeaway

Blood levels of the microglia marker sTREM2 do not reliably predict long-term disability worsening in people with primary progressive MS.

What They Found

Researchers measured sTREM2, a protein linked to brain immune cells called microglia, in the blood of 137 people with primary progressive MS (PPMS). They checked if higher or lower sTREM2 levels were linked to changes in disability over 2 years, 6 years, and at the last follow-up. A small link appeared at 2 years but only in a subgroup without signs of active inflammation; this means it might matter in some specific situations. Over longer follow-up times (6 years and beyond), sTREM2 levels did not consistently match how disability changed. In short, using this blood measure alone is unlikely to tell patients or doctors how fast disability will get worse in most people with PPMS.

Who Should Care and Why

People with primary progressive MS should know this because they may hear about blood tests that claim to predict disease course — this study suggests this particular test is not reliable for long-term prediction. Caregivers who track changes in mobility or daily function will understand that relying on sTREM2 levels to guide care plans or anticipate needs is not supported by strong evidence. Neurologists and other healthcare providers will see that sTREM2 is not yet ready to be used alone as a decision-making tool for PPMS management. Patients considering experimental monitoring or tests can use this information to ask better questions about how useful a test is before getting it. Overall, it means focusing on regular clinical checks, symptom tracking, and established tests remains important for day-to-day care.

Important Considerations

The study looked only at primary progressive MS, so results may not apply to other MS types like relapsing forms. The small link seen at 2 years was limited to a subgroup without inflammation, which means the finding is uncertain and may not help most patients. Because no consistent relationship was found over longer follow-up, sTREM2 should not replace clinical exams or other tests when deciding treatment or care plans.

Categories:

MS Progression Specific Symptoms MS Diagnostics

Article Topics:

biomarkersdisability progressionprimary progressive multiple sclerosissTREM2

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like European journal of neurology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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