A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 4 studies with a total of 458 subjects. All trials compared statins (two evaluating atorvastatin and two simvastatin) plus interferon beta-1a with interferon beta-1a alone for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. None of the trials showed significant difference between the treatment groups in reducing relapses, preventing disease progression or developing new T2 or gadolinium-enhanced lesions on MRI after 9, 12, 24 months follow-up period. Statins resulted to be safe and well tolerated, no serious adverse effects were reported. Changes on quality of life after receiving statins were not reported in the trials.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (small study size for each comparison).
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