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Evidence summaries

Recombinant Interferon Beta for Delaying Conversion of the First Demyelinating Event to Multiple Sclerosis

Interferon beta prevents the conversion from first event suggesting a demyelinating episode to clinically definite multiple sclerosis. Level of evidence: "A"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 3 studies with a total of 1160 subjects, testing the efficacy of interferon (IFN) beta in preventing conversion from clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) suggestive of demyelinating events to clinically definite MS (CDMS), i.e. in prevention of a second attack. The proportion of patients converting to CDMS was significantly lower in IFN beta-treated than in placebo-treated patients both after one year (pooled OR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.71) as well as after two years of follow-up (pooled OR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.70). Early treatment with IFN beta was associated with the side effect profile reported by the randomised controlled trials with this drug. Frequency of serious adverse events was not significantly different in IFN beta-treated or placebo-treated patients.

References

  • Clerico M, Faggiano F, Palace J, Rice G, Tintorè M, Durelli L. Recombinant interferon beta or glatiramer acetate for delaying conversion of the first demyelinating event to multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008 Apr 16;(2):CD005278. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords