Favorable effect of immunomodulator therapy on bone mineral density in multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Osteoporosis is a complication of multiple sclerosis (MS), especially if corticosteroid therapy is given. Little is known about the effect on bone of immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) for MS.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate bone mass in patients with MS on IMT.


METHODS
We measured bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 37 patients with MS who received IMT. Different IMTs were administered: interferon beta-1a in 70%, interferon beta-1b in 27% and Glatiramer in 3%. High-dose pulse corticosteroid therapy (intravenous methylprednisolone 500 mg) was given to 81% ranging from 1 to 17 courses.


RESULTS
Both mean BMD Z-score at spine of 0.53 (CI, 0.15-0.92; P = 0.0084) and mean BMD Z-score at femur of 0.72 (CI, 0.42-1.01; P < 0.0001) were significantly greater than zero.


CONCLUSIONS
IMT may have a favorable effect on bone in patients with MS even in the presence of pulse steroid therapy.
Shuhaibar
M
M
Department of Neurology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
McKenna
M J
MJ
Au-Yeong
M
M
Redmond
J M T
JM
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013030:Spain
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a