[Limited effect of interferon-beta for the treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis].

Abstract

Interferon (IFN)-beta 1b is approved for the treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) with relapses in the EU. This Cochrane review analysed all double- or single-blinded randomised placebo controlled studies that had evaluated the efficacy of IFN-beta versus placebo in SPMS. The meta-analysis included five studies with 3,122 patients in all; 1,829 of these received IFN-beta. The study concluded that IFN-beta did not prevent the development of permanent physical disability in patients with SPMS, but significantly reduced the risk of relapse and of short-term relapse-related disability. In accordance with these findings, the Danish national guidelines recommend IFN-beta 1b treatment only for relapsing or rapidly progressing SPMS. Evaluation of the beneficial effect must be done every 6-12 months and the treatment should be discontinued if progression continues.

• Authors: Karen Schreiber, Ana Voldsgaard, Per Soelberg Sørensen
• Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger) Vol. 175 Issue 19 Pg. 1342-4 (May 06 2013) ISSN: 1603-6824 [Electronic] Denmark
• Vernacular Title: Der er begrænset effekt af interferonbeta til behandling af sekundær progressiv multipel sklerose--en gennemgang af et Cochranereview.
• PMID: 23663372 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis)

Chemical References

• Immunologic Factors
• Interferon-beta

Topics

• Humans
• Immunologic Factors (therapeutic use)
• Interferon-beta (therapeutic use)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Review Literature as Topic