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ACTRIMS 2022 | Prognostic value of circulating NfL for COVID-19 mortality

Raised circulating neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels have been observed in severe cases of COVID-19, with levels correlating with disease severity. Ruturaj Masvekar, PhD, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, shares an overview of a study aiming to characterize the prognostic value of serum or plasma NfL for COVID-19 associated morbidity and mortality. In an initial cohort of 30 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, NfL levels were shown to be significantly elevated compared to healthy controls. Additionally, those treated in intensive care units for more severe disease showed greater elevation than those with moderate severity disease, confirming previous results. Using serum samples collected longitudinally, it was shown that upon hospitalization, NfL levels were comparable between patients with severe disease that died versus those that survived. NfL was only about to distinguish patients at a high risk of COVID-19-associated mortality at 15-20 days post-hospitalization. Dr Masvekar comments on other prognostic biomarkers that correlated with NfL levels, changes in which could be detected at earlier stages of disease. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.