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Favorable effect of immunomodulator therapy on bone mineral density in multiple sclerosis
M Shuhaibar1, M J McKenna, M Au-Yeong
1Department of Neurology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Background:
Osteoporosis is a complication of multiple sclerosis (MS), especially if corticosteroid therapy is given. Little is known about the effect on bone of immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) for MS.
Aim:
We sought to evaluate bone mass in patients with MS on IMT.
Methods:
We measured bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 37 patients with MS who received IMT. Different IMTs were administered: interferon beta-1a in 70%, interferon beta-1b in 27% and Glatiramer in 3%. High-dose pulse corticosteroid therapy (intravenous methylprednisolone 500 mg) was given to 81% ranging from 1 to 17 courses.
Results:
Both mean BMD Z-score at spine of 0.53 (CI, 0.15-0.92; P = 0.0084) and mean BMD Z-score at femur of 0.72 (CI, 0.42-1.01; P < 0.0001) were significantly greater than zero.
Conclusions:
IMT may have a favorable effect on bone in patients with MS even in the presence of pulse steroid therapy.
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