The detection of autoantibodies in autoimmune CNS disorders has been if immense interest, with implications for undelrying pathophysiology.  A variety of autoantibodies have been detected and associated with various CNS syndromes, although the question remians whether these antibodies are pathogenic, an epiphenomenon, or both.

In this issue of JNNP, Hacohen and colleagues report on antibody biomakers in CNS demyelinating disorders of childhood.  A variety of anibodies and syndromew were reported, with the bottom line being that specific antibodies are associated with specific syndromes.  Consequently, the principles of good medical practice remians to define the phenotype and then look for the “genotype” or in thid case the antibody.  In addition, the relevance of antibodies in the underlying pathophysiology needs further research.

Do you think it is worthwhile looking for these antibodies?  let me know your thoughrs via twitter.

Read more at http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/85/4/456/T1.expansion.html

• Neuro-inflammation

• Short report

Autoantibody biomarkers in childhood-acquired demyelinating syndromes: results from a national surveillance cohort

1. Yael Hacohen1,
2. Michael Absoud2,3,
3. Mark Woodhall1,
4. Carole Cummins3,
5. Christian G De Goede4,
6. Cheryl Hemingway5,
7. Philip E Jardine6,
8. Rachel Kneen7,8,
9. Michael G Pike9,
10. William P Whitehouse10,
11. Evangeline Wassmer11,
12. Patrick Waters1,
13. Angela Vincent1,
14. Ming Lim1,2,
15. On behalf of UK & Ireland Childhood CNS Inflammatory Demyelination Working Group