title: The Impact of Methylprednisolone Pulses during Relapses of Multiple Sclerosis on the Kinetics of Anti-Interferon-Beta Antibodies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We assessed the, hitherto unknown, impact of intravenous methylprednisolone (ivMP) pulses during relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the kinetics of anti-interferon-beta neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) and binding antibodies (Babs).
  
  
  METHODS
  Babs (ELISA) and Nabs (antiviral cytopathic effect assay) titers were evaluated before, immediately after and at 1 month following ivMP in 60 MS patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ivMP reduces Nabs and Babs titers for at least 1 month. Baseline titers determine Nabs and Babs seronegativity at the end of ivMP. Clinical response to ivMP tends to be better in Nabs(+) patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sampling for Nabs/Babs should be avoided during or shortly after ivMP to avoid transient positive or negative results that may obscure the decision to switch treatment.
authors: 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Giantzi
authors: Theodoros
authors: T
authors: Karapanayiotides
authors: Roza
authors: R
authors: Lagoudaki
authors: Kyriaki-Nefeli
authors: KN
authors: Poulatsidou
authors: Athanasios
authors: A
authors: Lourbopoulos
authors: Michail
authors: M
authors: Daniilidis
authors: Nikolaos
authors: N
authors: Taskos
authors: Ioannis
authors: I
authors: Milonas
authors: Nikolaos
authors: N
authors: Grigoriadis
mesh_terms: D061605:Administration, Intravenous; D000328:Adult; D057134:Antibodies, Neutralizing / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007700:Kinetics; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D057134:Antibodies, Neutralizing; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D016899:Interferon-beta; D008775:Methylprednisolone