The cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G index as a diagnostic aid in multiple sclerosis: a Bayesian approach.

Abstract

Abstract Having determined immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin concentrations in 1100 cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples, we calculated the IgG index. Likelihood ratios for multiple sclerosis were calculated by using a training set consisting of 100 patients with definite multiple sclerosis and one consisting of 97 patients suffering from diseases from which multiple sclerosis must be differentiated. Predictive values for multiple sclerosis, given different values for the IgG index, are given in a graphical representation of Bayes' theorem. We conclude that this approach increases the diagnostic usefulness of the IgG index for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.