title: Interferon β for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is unclear whether recombinant β interferons (IFNβ) can be effective in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). The aim was to determine whether IFNβ can reduce the risk of disability and cognitive impairment progression in SPMS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using Cochrane methodology, we reviewed all randomised placebo controlled trials of IFNβ in SPMS patients (1995-March 2012).
  
  
  RESULTS
  5 trials (3082 patients) were included. After 3 years, interferons did not reduce disability progression, confirmed at 6 months (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.16). A small reduction in the number of patients who had relapses during the first 3 years of treatment (RR 0.91, 0.84 to 0.97) was found. No analysis of cognitive data was possible. More treated than placebo patients dropped out for adverse events.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  3 year treatment with IFNβ does not delay permanent disability in SPMS but reduces relapse risk, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of IFNβ is unable to prevent MS progression once it has become established.
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Santa Maria Nascente Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, I-20148 Milano, Italy. lamantialore@gmail.com
authors.forename: Loredana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: La Mantia
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vacchi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rovaris
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Di Pietrantonj
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ebers
authors.forename: Sten
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fredrikson
authors.forename: Graziella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Filippini
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D017594:Publication Bias; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a