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Treatment of early-onset multiple sclerosis with intramuscular interferonbeta-1a: long-term results
A Ghezzi1, M P Amato, M Capobianco
1Centro Studi Sclerosi Multipla, Ospedale di Gallarate, Via Pastori 4, I-20013, Gallarate, Italy. angelo.ghezzi@aogallarate.it
Abstract:
The objective was to evaluate the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of intramuscular (IM) interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a; Avonex, Biogen) 30 mg once a week in patients with onset of symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in childhood or adolescence. Patients with a diagnosis of definite MS according to McDonald's criteria, relapsing course according to Lublin's criteria, onset of symptoms of MS before 16 years of age, and who had received IM IFNbeta-1a therapy before 16 years of age were eligible for the study if they had a pretreatment and treatment duration of at least 6 months. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed every 3 months. A total of 52 patients were identified as receiving treatment with IM IFNbeta-1a 30 mg once a week before 16 years of age. Mean age at onset of symptoms of MS was 11.7+/-2.7 years, mean disease duration was 25.9+/-30.3 months, mean annualised relapse rate was 1.9+/-1.1 and mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 1.5+/-1.1. After a mean (+/-SD) treatment duration of 42.9+/-19.9 months, annualised relapse rate decreased to 0.4+/-0.5. Final EDSS score was 1.3+/-1.1. Adverse events were recorded for 35 (67%) patients (flulike syndrome, 33%; headache, 29%; myalgia, 21%; fever, 11%; fatigue, 6%; nausea and vomiting, 6%; and skin reaction, 4%); most were transient. IM IFNbeta-1a was effective and well tolerated in these paediatric patients with MS.
Insights
Intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) is safe and effective for treating pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This treatment reduced relapse rates and disability progression in adolescents with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect individuals from a young age, necessitating early intervention.
- Interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) is a disease-modifying therapy used in adult MS.
- Limited data exists on the use of IFNbeta-1a in pediatric MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) in pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To assess the impact of IFNbeta-1a on relapse rates and disability progression in young MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 52 pediatric patients diagnosed with definite MS and treated with intramuscular IFNbeta-1a (30 mg weekly) before age 16.
- Patients had a minimum of 6 months pre-treatment and treatment duration.
- Clinical and laboratory evaluations were conducted every 3 months.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in the annualized relapse rate from 1.9 to 0.4 was observed after a mean treatment duration of 42.9 months.
- The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score remained stable, decreasing slightly from 1.5 to 1.3.
- Adverse events, primarily flu-like symptoms, were reported in 67% of patients but were mostly transient and manageable.
Conclusions:
- Intramuscular IFNbeta-1a (30 mg weekly) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Early treatment with IFNbeta-1a can reduce disease activity and slow disability progression in young individuals with MS.
- IFNbeta-1a demonstrates a favorable safety profile in the pediatric MS population.
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