Disease modifying therapies modulate cardiovascular risk factors in patients with multiple sclerosis

This retrospective study aimed to determine (1) the association between the use of three major disease modifying therapies (DMTs) (Interferon-beta [IFN-β], Glatiramer acetate [GA], Natalizumab [NTZ]) and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and (2) the association between the use of CV drugs (antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and antiplatelets) and other drugs acting on the CV system (antispastics/anticonvulsants/anxyolitics, antidepressants/stimulants), and MS disease severity.

The charts of 188 patients with MS, who were taking one of the three DMTs, and 110 patients, who were naïve to these drugs, were retrospectively reviewed. The obtained data included height and weight, fasting lipid profiles, plasma glucose, systolic and diastolic BP, smoking habit, list of medications, and indicators of MS disease severity.

The use of DMTs was associated with higher diastolic BP readings, as well as higher plasma glucose and HDL-C plasma levels. In addition, there was an association between CV risk factors and the type of DMTs. When compared to DMT-naïve patients with MS, the use of IFN-β and GA was associated with higher CV risk factors, whereas the use of NTZ was associated with lower CV risk factors. In DMT-naïve patients, the use of CV and related drugs was associated with higher Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and higher MS Severity Scale (MSSS).

There is an association between higher CV risk factors and the use of DMTs. Furthermore, CV and related drugs have the potential for modulating MS disease severity.