(N17) Evaluation of Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker in Dogs with Structural and Idiopathic Epilepsy

Abstract:

Background: Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a frequently used biomarker in human medicine
for both diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring purposes in various neurologic diseases. It has
yet to be evaluated in either humans or dogs with epilepsy.

Hypothesis /

Objectives: It was hypothesized that dogs with diagnosed structural epilepsy
would have a significantly increased NfL concentration compared to dogs with idiopathic
epilepsy. It was also hypothesized that idiopathic epileptic dogs with a recent onset of seizure
activity would have a significantly increased NfL concentration compared to dogs with a
chronically well controlled seizure frequency.

Animals: A total of 50 client owned dogs that presented to the Neurology service for an
evaluation of seizures were enrolled in this study. There were 14 dogs with diagnosed structural
epilepsy and 36 dogs with suspected idiopathic epilepsy.

Methods: A total of 52 serum and 6 CSF samples were obtained for NfL concentration
measurement using single molecule array technology (Simoa) for a prospective cohort study.

Results: Serum NfL concentration was significantly increased in dogs with structural epilepsy
when compared with dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (p = 0.0009). There was no significant
difference in NfL concentration in dogs with an acute onset of seizures when compared to
chronically well controlled epilepsy regardless of the underlying etiology.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Neurofilament light chain may serve as a reliable biomarker
for the differentiation of structural and idiopathic epilepsy.