Incidence of exacerbations in the first 90 days of treatment with recombinant human interferon beta-1b in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Interferon beta-1b (IFNbeta-1b) is effective in reducing the frequency of exacerbations in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Recently, a study suggested that treatment with IFNbeta-1b may place MS patients at risk of exacerbations by increasing interferon-gamma (IFNgamma)-secreting cells in the blood early after onset of treatment. We conducted a retrospective study in 192 RRMS patients treated with IFNbeta-1b. We did not observe an increase in the frequency of exacerbations early after the onset of treatment and suggest that the IFNgamma-secreting cell surge linked to the onset of treatment with IFNbeta-1b may not be clinically significant.
Khan
O A
OA
Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Hebel
J R
JR
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000628:therapy*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D011241:Prednisone; D008775:Methylprednisolone; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a