OCT-derived Measurements in Human Multiple Sclerosis Patients
In a study with 21 human MS patients, baseline OCT measurements of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness were linked to later worsening of MS symptoms, including disability and clinical relapses.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Not graded
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
These findings suggest that OCT measurements may serve as potential biomarkers to anticipate disease progression in MS, aiding in monitoring and management strategies.
What this does not prove
The study's findings are limited by the small sample size and need for broader demographic representation to assess generalizability. Additionally, the variability in OCT measurements from different devices must be addressed.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- 21 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-21
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Not reported
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- disability; clinical relapses; MRI changes
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceOCT to Assess Risk of Progression of Multiple Sclerosis: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2026.08.009
Supporting passages (9)
sample size21
interventionCONCLUSIONS: Evidence supports the development of OCT-derived pRNFL and macular GC-IPL thickness measurements as biomarkers for future progression of MS in patients with MS or MS precursor syndromes.
primary endpointPURPOSE: To review the current published literature on the utility of OCT of the retina in peripapillary and macular regions to predict or assess risk of disease activity in adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and MS precursors (radiologically isolated syndrome and clinically isolated syndrome).
findingsBaseline measurements (lower thickness, faster thickness decline, and larger interocular thickness differences) of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) from OCT scans in patients with MS and precursors of MS were associated with future progression of MS as measured by disability, clinical relapses, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes.
limitationsFuture work is needed to improve generalizability by studying demographically heterogeneous cohorts and should include determining the comparability of metrics obtained from different OCT manufacturers' hardware and software.
secondary endpointsBaseline measurements (lower thickness, faster thickness decline, and larger interocular thickness differences) of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) from OCT scans in patients with MS and precursors of MS were associated with future progression of MS as measured by disability, clinical relapses, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-21
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
subjectsArticles were limited to original research in the English language that included adult patients.
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