Optic neuritis used to predict MS risk

A new genetic tool developed by researchers at the University of Exeter and King’s College London could improve multiple sclerosis (MS) risk prediction in patients presenting with optic neuritis.

The study, published in Nature Communications, developed a genetic risk score that helped clinicians better understand an individual’s chance of developing MS.

When applying the genetic risk score to data from the UK Biobank, it helped separate those at lowest risk from those at high risk.

Dr Tasanee Braithwaite, ophthalmologist and co-author of the study, said: ‘Whilst more research is needed, our study provides a strong signal that we could better identify patients at high risk of MS, perhaps enabling these people to have earlier MS treatment in the future.’