Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 2 different regimens of interferon-beta(IFN-beta) in the treatment of SSPE in pediatric patients. METHODS: We retrospectively compared the results obtained with 2 regimens of IFN-beta1a: 60 microg administered intramuscularly once weekly (IFN-beta 1/wk), or 22 microg administered subcutaneously 3 times per week (IFN-beta 3/wk). All patients also received oral inosiplex 50 to 100 mg/kg daily, a treatment known to have partial efficacy in SSPE. Patients who continued treatment for at least 3 months and had at least 1 year of follow-up data were evaluated. Clinical parameters included the Neurological Disability Index (NDI), a measurement of mental, motor, and sensory functions; disease stage; and mental status. Data obtained at 6 and 12 months were compared with those at the time of diagnosis, and the percent change from baseline was calculated. A satisfactory clinical response was defined as reduction or stabilization of the NDI or stage improvement at 6 or 12 months. RESULTS: Patients treated with IFN-beta 3/wk had increased survival time (P < 0.02) and higher clinical response rates compared with those treated with IFN-beta 1/wk (P < 0.05). When stage 2 and stage 3 patients were evaluated separately, survival was significantly longer (P = 0.007) and the rate of progression slower in both stage groups with IFN-beta 3/wk. CONCLUSION: The results obtained for this patient sample suggest that IFN-beta administered subcutaneously times per week combined with inosiplex may be an effective treatment option in SSPE. This treatment regimen warrants further study.
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Authors | Banu Anlar, Omer Faruk Aydin, Alev Guven, Fatma Mujgan Sonmez, Gulsen Kose, Ozlem Herguner |
Journal | Clinical therapeutics
(Clin Ther)
Vol. 26
Issue 11
Pg. 1890-4
(Nov 2004)
ISSN: 0149-2918 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15639700
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Interferon-beta
- Inosine Pranobex
- Interferon beta-1a
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Topics |
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Child
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Humans
- Injections, Intramuscular
- Injections, Subcutaneous
- Inosine Pranobex
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Interferon beta-1a
- Interferon-beta
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
(drug therapy)
- Survival Analysis
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