lnterferon Beta-1b In TheTreatment Of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis:Clinical and Magnetic Resonance lmaging Results

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease characterized wiyh glial scarring, demyelination and multiple white matter inflammation in central nervous system. There are strong evidence that MS is a autoimmune disease in this immun attack, it is suggested that target is myelin or oligodendrocyte. The inflammatory damage of myelin leads to appear the symptoms disturbing the nerve conduction. İn some clinicalstudies, it has been reported that interferon beta-1 b reduces the attack rate, slow down the disability and reduces the activity and number of lesions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). İn this study, 8 million unit interferon beta-1 b was given to 17 (2 male and 15 female) relapsingremitting MS patients who have at least 2 attacks in the last two years, short duration of disease, low Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores,for 9 months subcutaneously. Clinical evaluation and MRI studies were performed before the treatment and in the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 9th months during the therapy. Clinical evaluation was performed on the base of EDSS. The mean age of the cases was 32.2±95.45 years, mean disease duration was 2.44±0.61 years, mean EDSS scoreat onset was 2.20±0.41, mean attack rate in the last two years 2.06±0. 90, mean MRI score (on the base of number of lesions) at onset was 45.76±29.09. EDSS score decreased significantly in 4th (p=0.0277), 6th (p=0.0015) and 9th months. MRI scores decreased in the 4th (p =0409), 6th (p =0.0019) and 9th (p =0007). Severe side effects are not seen during the treatment. İt is suggested that interferon beta-1 b has an effect on disability and decrease the MRI detected lesions in MS.