Franziska Kauth

Ms. Franziska Kauth

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 January 2025 in European Journal of Paediatric Neurology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
FKFranziska Kauth
Franziska Kauth
ABAnnikki Bertolini
Annikki Bertolini
EWEva-Maria Wendel
Eva-Maria Wendel
GKGeorgia Koukou
Georgia Koukou
INInes El Naggar
Ines El Naggar
KRKevin Rostasy
Kevin Rostasy

13 April 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FKFranziska Kauth
Franziska Kauth
SCSophie Chen
Sophie Chen
EWEva Maria Wendel
Eva Maria Wendel
MRMarkus Reindl
Markus Reindl
NHNicole Heussinger
Nicole Heussinger
KRKevin Rostasy
Kevin Rostasy
Background/Purpose: Optic neuritis (ON) is a rare disease that may remain a single episode or transform into MS. OCBs and spinal MRI lesions have already been identified as prognostic factors. Aim: Our aim was to evaluate if the presence of more than one elevated antibody index of measles, rubella, and/or varicella-zoster (MRZ) is an indicator of risk of conversion. Methods: In total, 228 patients diagnosed with ON between 1990 and 2013 were included in this retrospective study. All children had a data set consisting of age, sex, ON type, MRI, and detailed CSF studies, including the presence of OCBs and MRZ reactions and a follow-up of at least 1.5 years. Children were then divided into two groups: those who developed MS according to the McDonald criteria 2010 (n = 92) and those who did not (n = 136). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the different prognostic factors and conversion to MS. Positive (PPV) and negative predictive values were calculated. Results: Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that an MS-like MRI (p < 0.001), positive OCBs (p = 0.002), and a positive MRZ reaction (p < 0.001) were significant prognostic factors for conversion to MS after ON. Calculated PPVs showed a positive MRZ reaction alone to already be a good predictor (PPV 0.90 (95%CI: 0.82 to 0.95), p < 0.001). The best prediction was possible with a combination of cMRI, the presence of OCBs, and a positive MRZ reaction (PPV 1.00 (0.93 to 1.00), p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings show that a positive MRZ reaction alone already has a high predictive value for future conversion to MS and should be included in the workup of a child with an initial demyelinating event.