The effect of interferon β-1b on the number of plaques and different sites of brain MRI lesions in relapsing-remitting ultiple sclerosis (RRMS)

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of disease-modifying treatment with interferon (IFN) beta-1b (Betaferon) on relapses, progression of disability and brain MRI findings in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Patients and This cohort study was conducted on 41 patients who had RRMS determined using McDonald criteria. They were evaluated during a 24-month study period from January 2004 to January 2006. Patients were assigned in two groups: 21 patients under disease-modifying therapy with IFN beta-1b (Betaferon) 250 mcg subcutaneously every other day (group A) and 20 patients without disease-modifying treatment (group B). Neurological and clinical assessments were done at baseline, 12th, 18th and 24th month of follow-up. For this purpose, number of new attacks, changes of brain MRI findings and Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were evaluated. Patients in group A represent lesser number of attack (0.76, SD=0.70 vs. 2.05, SD=0.76 P<0.001), more reduction in EDSS (2.09, SD=0.77 vs. 0.12, SD=0.65 P<0.001) and number of ventricular plaques in brain MRI (3.29, SD=1.35 vs. 0.15, SD=0.87 P<0.001) in comparison with group B. The course of EDSS changes was significant in both groups A and B during the study period (PA<0.001 and PB=0.019). But, only patients in group A expressed improvement of brain lesions in MRIs, such as juxta-cortical (P<0.001), cerebellar (P=0.008), brain-stem (P=0.004), spinal-cord (P=0.008) and corpus callosum (P=0.016). Our result demonstrated disease-modifying treatment for RRMS patients may lead to beneficial results. And also IFN beta-1b significantly delayed progression to disability, reduced incidence of new relapses and improved brain lesions especially juxta-cortical and brain-stem plaques.