Objective:

The influence of oligoclonal band (OCB) status on the clinical presentation and progression of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is of great interest. Although OCB positivity is linked to MS pathogenesis, its precise role in disease onset and progression remains uncertain.

Background:

This retrospective study aims to elucidate the impact of OCB status on first physical and cognitive tests, initial Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, age of onset, and first symptom manifestation in RRMS patients. 

Design/Methods:

A total of 2324 individuals diagnosed with RRMS, comprising 1613 females (69.4%) and 711 males (30.6%), were included in this retrospective analysis. OCB status was determined in all patients, with 1915 (82.4%) classified as OCB-positive and 409 (17.6%) as OCB-negative. Statistical analyses, including independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests, were conducted to compare various parameters between OCB+ and OCB- groups. 

Results:

Initial assessments revealed no significant differences between OCB+ and OCB- RRMS patients across the evaluated parameters. Mean EDSS scores (p=0.888) and age of onset (p=0.65) did not differ significantly between the two groups. Similarly, there was no significant discrepancy in the distribution of first symptoms between OCB+ and OCB- patients (p=0.121). Physical and cognitive test results also demonstrated comparable findings between the two groups, with no significant variations observed in T25WT, 9HPT, SDMT, CVLT, and BVMTR scores (p>0.05 for all). 

Conclusions:

Although initial assessments revealed no significant differences between OCB+ and OCB- RRMS patients, OCB status may still influence disease progression. Longitudinal monitoring of EDSS, cognitive, and physical outcomes could uncover subtle changes over time. This highlights the complex, multifactorial nature of MS progression. Future research integrating genetic, biomarker, and imaging data is crucial to understanding the factors driving disease evolution. By exploring the long-term impact of OCB positivity, clinicians can refine personalized care strategies and optimize treatment for RRMS patients.