BACKGROUND AND STUDY OBJECTIVES

AE and PNS are devastating immune-mediated disorders affecting the nervous system. Some treatments are effective when given early. Thus, correctly and timely diagnosing AE and PNS is vital.

This study describes the epidemiology of AE and PNS in the second-largest healthcare region in Sweden (population of 2.1 million).

Neuronal antibody tests were performed in five laboratories in Sweden between 2015-2019; Wieslab Diagnostic Services is one of them.

STUDY OUTCOMES

According to the study, there was a double increase in the incidence of AE and PNS during the study period. Additionally, the overall number of patients who underwent testing for neuronal antibodies in serum and CSF also increased. However, the ratio of false case detection was 81% among the samples when using only a commercial line blot. In contrast, the ratio was 63% when using the two recommended methods, as it is performed today at Wieslab (indirect immunofluorescence and line blot in parallel). 

The study sheds light on the prevalence of AE and PNS in Sweden. It emphasizes the significance of accurate testing for neuronal antibodies and the limitations of commercially available kits. This underscores the need for increased awareness and correct application of currently available methods. Overall, the study highlights that accurate testing is crucial for diagnosing and treating AE and PNS.

At Wieslab, a Svar Life Science company, we value collaboration with healthcare providers to increase our understanding of these diseases and ensure accurate patient diagnosis and support treatment. 

CITATION

Kosek S, Persson B et al., Antibody-Positive Autoimmune Encephalitis and Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome: Epidemiology and Outcome of Neuronal Antibody Testing in Sweden. Acta Scan. 2023. doi.org/10.1155/2023/6993615

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