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Multiple sclerosis

Oligoclonal bands—a useful tool to avoid MS misdiagnosis

Oligoclonal IgG bands are present in the cerebrospinal fluid of most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and constitute a useful tool to enable accurate diagnosis. A recent meta-analysis has explored the precise prevalence of these antibodies in MS and their possible relationship with geographical location and patient outcome.

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Correspondence to Luisa M. Villar.

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Competing interests

J. C. Álvarez-Cermeño and L. M. Villar received honoraria for speaking and support for research from Biogen Idec, Bayer-Schering, Merck Serono, Teva, and Novartis. J. C. Álvarez-Cermeño received honoraria for consuntancy from Biogen Idec, Merck Serono, Genzyme, and Novartis.

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Álvarez-Cermeño, J., Villar, L. Oligoclonal bands—a useful tool to avoid MS misdiagnosis. Nat Rev Neurol 9, 303–304 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2013.74

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