title: Beta interferons in clinically isolated syndromes: a meta-analysis.
abstract: Beta-interferon use in definite multiple sclerosis (MS) has been proven to modify clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcome. We review and summarize the data of published double-blind, randomized clinical trials to assess, with a meta-analysis the safety and efficacy of beta-interferon on the occurrence of relapses in patients with a first clinical event suggestive of MS. After two years of follow-up, interferon beta decreased the risk of conversion to clinically definite MS 0.51[0.39-0.65], and delayed the time to diagnosis up to 367 days. Side-effects were mild and self limited. Our findings support the efficacy of early treatment with beta-interferon in reducing conversion to clinically defined MS in patients with clinically isolated syndromes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurology and Epidemiology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil. asm@ufba.br
authors.forename: Ailton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Melo
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bar-Or
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016899:Interferon-beta