Treatment of early-onset multiple sclerosis with intramuscular interferonbeta-1a: long-term results.
The objective was to evaluate the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of intramuscular (IM) interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a; Avonex, Biogen) 30 mg once a week in patients with onset of symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in childhood or adolescence. Patients with a diagnosis of definite MS according to McDonald's criteria, relapsing course according to Lublin's criteria, onset of symptoms of MS before 16 years of age, and who had received IM IFNbeta-1a therapy before 16 years of age were eligible for the study if they had a pretreatment and treatment duration of at least 6 months. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed every 3 months. A total of 52 patients were identified as receiving treatment with IM IFNbeta-1a 30 mg once a week before 16 years of age. Mean age at onset of symptoms of MS was 11.7+/-2.7 years, mean disease duration was 25.9+/-30.3 months, mean annualised relapse rate was 1.9+/-1.1 and mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 1.5+/-1.1. After a mean (+/-SD) treatment duration of 42.9+/-19.9 months, annualised relapse rate decreased to 0.4+/-0.5. Final EDSS score was 1.3+/-1.1. Adverse events were recorded for 35 (67%) patients (flulike syndrome, 33%; headache, 29%; myalgia, 21%; fever, 11%; fatigue, 6%; nausea and vomiting, 6%; and skin reaction, 4%); most were transient. IM IFNbeta-1a was effective and well tolerated in these paediatric patients with MS.
Ghezzi
A
A
Centro Studi Sclerosi Multipla, Ospedale di Gallarate, Via Pastori 4, I-20013, Gallarate, Italy. angelo.ghezzi@aogallarate.it
Amato
M P
MP
Capobianco
M
M
Gallo
P
P
Marrosu
M G
MG
Martinelli
V
V
Milanese
C
C
Moiola
L
L
Milani
N
N
La Mantia
L
L
Patti
F
F
Pozzilli
C
C
Trojano
M
M
Comi
G
G
Zaffaroni
M
M
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a