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From high- to low-frequency administered interferon-beta for multiple sclerosis: a multicenter study

Luca Prosperini1, Chiara Rosa Mancinelli, Carlo Pozzilli

  • 1S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.

European Neurology
|February 1, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Reducing interferon-beta (IFNB) frequency in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients increases relapse and MRI activity risk. Switching to intramuscular IFNB may be an option for select patients, but reducing subcutaneous IFNB is generally discouraged.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) management often involves interferon-beta (IFNB) therapy.
  • Adjusting IFNB administration frequency is sometimes considered for patient convenience or tolerability.
  • The clinical and radiological outcomes of reduced IFNB dosing require careful evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare clinical and MRI outcomes in MS patients who reduced IFNB frequency versus those who did not.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of modified IFNB administration schedules in MS.
  • To identify predictors of disease activity following IFNB dose reduction.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 308 MS patients over 48 months.
  • Three groups: recommended IFNB frequency, reduced subcutaneous (sc) IFNB frequency, and switched to intramuscular (im) IFNB.
  • Outcome measures included relapses, MRI activity, and disability worsening.

Main Results:

  • Reduced sc IFNB frequency significantly increased the risk of relapses and MRI activity compared to the recommended group.
  • Switching to im IFNB also increased relapse risk but not significantly MRI activity.
  • Younger age, higher pre-treatment relapse rate, and reducing sc IFNB to twice weekly were predictors of disease activity.

Conclusions:

  • Reducing the frequency of sc IFNB administration is associated with poorer outcomes in MS patients.
  • Switching to once-weekly im IFNB-1a may be a viable alternative for specific patient profiles.
  • The findings advise against general reduction of sc IFNB frequency, particularly in high-risk MS patients.

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