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The effect of intramuscular interferon beta-1a on spinal cord volume in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Sheena L Dupuy1, Fariha Khalid1, Brian C Healy1
1Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research, Partners MS Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Background:
Spinal cord atrophy occurs early in multiple sclerosis (MS) and impacts disability. The therapeutic effect of interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) on spinal cord atrophy in patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) MS has not been explored.
Methods:
We retrospectively identified 16 consecutive patients receiving weekly intramuscular IFNβ-1a for 2 years [baseline age (mean ± SD) 47.7 ± 7.5 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale score median (range) 1.5 (0-2.5), timed 25-foot walk 4.6 ± 0.7 seconds; time on treatment 68.3 ± 59.9 months] and 11 sex- and age-matched normal controls (NC). The spinal cord was imaged at baseline, 1 and 2 years later with 3T MRI. C1-C5 spinal cord volume was measured by an active surface method, from which normalized spinal cord area (SCA) was calculated.
Results:
SCA showed no change in the MS or NC group over 2 years [mean annualized difference (95 % CI) MS: -0.604 mm2 (-1.352, 0.144), p = 0.106; NC: -0.360 mm2 (-1.576, 0.855), p = 0.524]. Between group analysis indicated no differences in on-study SCA change [MS vs. NC; year 1 vs. baseline, mean annualized difference (95 % CI) 0.400 mm2 (-3.350, 2.549), p = 0.780; year 2 vs. year 1: -1.196 mm2 (-0.875, 3.266), p = 0.245; year 2 vs. baseline -0.243 mm2 (-1.120, 1.607), p = 0.712].
Conclusion:
Established IFNβ-1a therapy was not associated with ongoing spinal cord atrophy or any difference in the rate of spinal cord volume change in RRMS compared to NC over 2 years. These results may reflect a treatment effect. However, due to sample size and study design, these results should be considered preliminary and await confirmation.
Insights
Interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) treatment did not show significant spinal cord atrophy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients over two years. These preliminary findings suggest a potential therapeutic effect, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Spinal cord atrophy is an early indicator of disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The impact of interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) on spinal cord atrophy in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of established interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) therapy on spinal cord atrophy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed 16 RRMS patients treated with intramuscular IFNβ-1a for two years and 11 age- and sex-matched normal controls (NC).
- Spinal cord volume (C1-C5) was measured using 3T MRI at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years, calculating normalized spinal cord area (SCA).
Main Results:
- No significant change in spinal cord area (SCA) was observed in either the MS or NC group over the two-year study period.
- Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences in the rate of SCA change between RRMS patients and normal controls at any time point.
Conclusions:
- Established IFNβ-1a therapy was not associated with ongoing spinal cord atrophy in RRMS patients over two years.
- The findings suggest a potential stabilizing effect of IFNβ-1a on spinal cord volume, but require confirmation due to the study's preliminary nature and small sample size.
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