engleski

Once-a-week low-dose interferon beta-1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

There is uncertainity concerning the optimal dose regimen for interferon beta (IFNB) 1a in multiple sclerosis (MS). While MS patients prefer the convenience and lesser side effects of an injection given once weekly; pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies suggest that the frequency may be suboptimal. The objective of this one-year-follow-up study was to investigate the clinical value of once-a-week low-dose IFNB-1a (Rebif) in relapsing-remitting (RR) MS. 14 RRMS patients received 22 microgram IFNB-1a (Rebif) once-a-week subcutaneously. Their mean age at the baseline was 32.3 +- 8.7 years, mean duration of the disease was 5.4 +- 3.5 years. Mean EDSS at the study entry was 2.85 +- 1.40; mean EDSS at the end of one-year-therapy was 2.17 +- 1.52. While all 14 patients had at least one exacerbation in the year prior to treatment, only 8 patients (57.1%) had one exacerbation in the year following the beginninig of treatment. 6 individuals had 2 exacerbations prior to, and 3 individuals following the begining of treatment. In the case of one patient (a 20 years old female) 3 exacerbations occured following the beginning of treatment. Altrough the frequency of exacerbations decreased in twice as many cases as it increased, it was not possible to demonstrate statistical significance in the decrease of the frequency of exacerbations (probably of too small sample size). Mean change in EDSS eas -0.68, and it was statistically significant. This IFNB-1a-(Rebif)-regime showed limited efficancy in RRMS; that need to be reevaluated in a bigger group of RRMS patients and in at least two-year-follow-up study.

interferon beta; multiple sclerosis

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