Beta-interferon does not stop secondary progression

EpubLa Mantia et al. Interferon β for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2012 Sep 5.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether recombinant β interferons (IFNβ) can be effective in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). The aim was to determine whether IFNβ can reduce the risk of disability and cognitive impairment progression in SPMS.


METHODS: Using Cochrane methodology, we reviewed all randomised placebo controlled trials of IFNβ in SPMSers (1995-March 2012).

RESULTS: 5 trials (3082 MSers) were included. After 3 years, interferons did not reduce disability progression, confirmed at 6 months (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.16). A small reduction in the number of MSers who had relapses during the first 3 years of treatment (RR 0.91, 0.84 to 0.97) was found. No analysis of cognitive data was possible. More treated than placebo MSers dropped out for adverse events.

CONCLUSION: 3 year treatment with IFNβ does not delay permanent disability in SPMS but reduces relapse risk, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of IFNβ is unable to prevent MS progression once it has become established.

"We have been though the arguments about whether or not beta-interferon has any beneficial long-term effects. This meta-analysis suggests that beta interferon, over 3 years, has limited potential to stop progressive MS once it has started. In other words if you have SPMS you should not start interferon therapy. This study cannot answer the question of whether or not early interferon therapy delays the onset of SPMS or slows the rate of when it starts."

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