Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Prognostic markers are essential for predicting disease progression and managing its impact. Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) are significant laboratory findings in MS, yet their prognostic role remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the role of OCBs in the short-term progression of MS. METHODS: We enrolled patients diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS and conducted a follow-up for five years, during which we monitored their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Clinical manifestations were compared between patients with positive and negative OCBs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26. RESULTS: Among the 140 participants, 41 (29%) were OCB-negative and 99 (71%) were OCB-positive. No significant differences were found regarding sex, age, family history, associated disease, and EDSS scores between the two groups at the beginning of the study. Throughout the five-year duration of the study, there was no disparity in the EDSS scores of patients belonging to the two groups. Notably, the mean number of relapses was 1.37 in OCB-negatives compared to 1 in OCB-positives, which was statistically significant (P=0.03). In other words, after 5 years, despite the high rate of recurrence in patients with negative OCB compared to patients with positive OCB, there was no difference in terms of prognosis (EDSS progress) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: While the presence of OCBs in patients with MS does not demonstrate a significant prognostic impact over a five-year follow-up period, it could potentially influence the rate of recurrence.