14-3-3 testing in diagnosing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: A prospective study in 112 patients

A. W. Lemstra, M. T. Van Meegen, J. P. Vreyling, P. H.S. Meijerink, G. H. Jansen, S. Bulk, F. Baas, W. A. Van Gool

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Abstract

Objective: To study the sensitivity and specificity of 14-3-3 testing in a prospective series of patients suspected of having Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Background: The 14-3-3 protein immunoassay on CSF has favorable test characteristics as a premortem diagnostic tool in CJD. However, the 14-3-3 protein is a normal cellular protein expressed in various tissues, and its presence in CSF reflects extensive destruction of brain tissue as in CJD, but also in ischemic stroke and meningoencephalitis. Methods: 14-3-3 was tested in the CSF of a prospective series of 110 consecutive patients suspected of having CJD. Results: The sensitivity was 97% and the specificity was 87% in this series. False-positive results were mainly caused by stroke and meningoencephalitis. Conclusion: The 14-3-3 protein is a highly sensitive and specific marker for CJD when used in the appropriate clinical context.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)514-516
Number of pages3
JournalNeurology
Volume55
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2000

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