title: [Limited effect of interferon-beta for the treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis].
abstract: Interferon (IFN)-beta 1b is approved for the treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) with relapses in the EU. This Cochrane review analysed all double- or single-blinded randomised placebo controlled studies that had evaluated the efficacy of IFN-beta versus placebo in SPMS. The meta-analysis included five studies with 3,122 patients in all; 1,829 of these received IFN-beta. The study concluded that IFN-beta did not prevent the development of permanent physical disability in patients with SPMS, but significantly reduced the risk of relapse and of short-term relapse-related disability. In accordance with these findings, the Danish national guidelines recommend IFN-beta 1b treatment only for relapsing or rapidly progressing SPMS. Evaluation of the beneficial effect must be done every 6-12 months and the treatment should be discontinued if progression continues.
authors.affiliation: Dansk Multipel Sclerose Center, Afsnit 2082 N5, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø, Denmark. karen.schreiber@rh.dk
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schreiber
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Voldsgaard
authors.forename: Per Soelberg
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Sørensen
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012196:Review Literature as Topic
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016899:Interferon-beta