[Interferons and neurologic diseases].
OBJECTIVE
Therapeutic strategies using interferons in neurology are limited to multiple sclerosis. In this disease, only beta interferons are used and now considered as a first line treatment in the relapsing-remitting forms of the disease.


RESULTS
Beta interferons have reduced the relapse rate by approximately 3% and also reduced the risk of disability progression. They have also favorably influenced the brain lesions on MRI. Numerous data have stressed the importance of starting treatment as early as possible. In the secondary form of the disease, the impact of beta interferons are still discussed. In some clinical endpoints, a dose-response has been demonstrated, probably related to the frequency of injections. Side effects are acceptable despite the high frequency of flu-like syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent data argue for beta interferon treatment after the first demyelinating episode in subjects at risk for early new relapses. In some patients, in cases of treatment failure, combination strategies, including beta interferons, should be addressed in the near future. Interferons were also tested with disappointing results in other neuro-inflammatory disorders, such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies.
Vermersch
P
P
Clinique neurologique, hôpital R.-Salengro, CHU de Lille, 59037 Lille, France. pvermersch@chru-lille.fr
de Seze
J
J
Ferriby
D
D
Stojkovic
T
T
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016899:Interferon-beta