A longitudinal study of quality of life and side effects in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1a.
In a 12-month follow-up study, we evaluated 27 patients (18 F and 9 M) with relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS), who had started treatment with interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) (Avonex), 30 microg i.m. once weekly, 6-18 months (median 10 months) before study entry. Quality of life (QOL), disability, independence, cognitive performances, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and fatigue were assessed at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. The frequency and severity of the side effects of treatment, at hours 0-12, 13-48 and 49-168 after the injection, were self-reported weekly in a structured questionnaire. QOL did not change significantly during the follow-up. The percentage of patients who reported side effects after the injection of IFNbeta-1a remained constant during the 52 weeks. The mean number of side effects increased significantly from the 6th to the 12th month. The general linear model analysis of variance disclosed significant changes over time for almost all side effects, but we did not find any correlation between QOL and number of side effects. In conclusion, 1-year treatment with IFNbeta-1a did not significantly change patient's QOL. Disability progression correlated with patient's QOL. Side effects, which were mild, did not diminish over time, did not induce treatment discontinuation and did not interfere with QOL.
Zivadinov
Robert
R
Department of Clinical Medicine and Neurology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume, 447-34149, Trieste, Italy.
Zorzon
Marino
M
Tommasi
Maria Antonietta
MA
Nasuelli
Davide
D
Bernardi
Monica
M
Monti-Bragadin
Luisa
L
Cazzato
Giuseppe
G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000139:chemically induced; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a