The effect of interferon beta 1B on bone mineral density in multiple sclerosis patients.
OBJECTIVE
Osteoporosis is a secondary problem in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. There have been only a few reports about the effect of interferon beta (IFNB) 1b on bone mineral density (BMD). We aimed to determine bone mass in patients using IFNB 1b.


METHODS
We enrolled 17 patients taking IFNB 1b (group I), 15 patients not taking IFNB (group II). We measured the BMD and T scores values and the patients were distinguished as normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis.


RESULTS
In the lumbar spine, there was no difference between groups I and II (p=0.3). In the left femur, no significant difference was detected between groups I and II (p=1). There was an inverse correlation between the BMD at the both regions and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score (r= -0.39, p=0.03; r=-0.52, p=0.002, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
IFNB 1b may be used safely in MS patients, even in those undergoing pulse steroid therapies, because IFNB 1b has no effect on BMD.
Departments of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey. asumanorhan@yahoo.co.
Asuman Orhan
AO
Varoglu
Erhan
E
Varoglu
Rezzan
R
Bayraktar
Recep
R
Aygul
Hizir
H
Ulvi
Kadir
K
Yildirim
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta