Author: IFNB Multiple Sclerosis Study Group
Description: We report a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of interferon beta-1b (IFNB) in 372 ambulatory patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Entry criteria included an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 0 to 5.5 and at least two exacerbations in the previous 2 years. One-third of the patients received placebo, one-third 1.6 million international units (MIU) of IFNB, and one-third 8 MIU of IFNB, self-administered by subcutaneous injections every other day. The primary end points were differences in exacerbation rates and proportion of patients remaining exacerbation-free. The annual exacerbation rate for patients receiving placebo was 1.27; for 1.6 MIU IFNB, 1.17; and for 8 MIU IFNB, 0.84 after 2 years. Exacerbation rates were significantly lower in both treatment groups compared with the placebo group (8 MIU versus placebo, p = 0.0001; 1.6 MIU versus placebo, p = 0.0101; and 8 MIU versus 1.6 MIU, p = 0.0086), suggesting a dosage effect. The reduction in exacerbation severity in the 8 MIU group was attributable to a twofold reduction in the frequency of moderate and severe attacks. More patients in the 8 MIU group (n = 36) were exacerbation-free at 2 years compared with the placebo group (n = 18; p = 0.007). EDSS scores changed little from baseline in both the placebo and treatment arms. Accordingly, a significant change in disability could not be discerned in this trial. Finally, in serial MRIs, MS activity was significantly less in the high-dose IFNB group.
Subject headings: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Interferon-beta/adverse effects/*therapeutic use; Lymphopenia/etiology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis/diagnosis/*therapy; Neurologic Examination; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
Publication year: 1993
Journal or book title: Neurology
Volume: 43
Issue: 4
Pages: 655-661
Find the full text : https://n.neurology.org/content/43/4/655.short
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Type: Randomized Controlled Trial
Serial number: 1003