Determinants of Gd-enhanced MRI response to IFN-[beta]-1a treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

• Published in: Multiple sclerosis 1998-05, Vol.4 (5), p.403
• Main Authors: Koudriavtseva, T, Pozzilli, C, Fiorelli, M, Gasperini, C, Bagnato, F, Galgani, S, Frontoni, M, Ciccarelli, O, Bastianello, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1477-0970
• DOI: 10.1191/135245898678919429

The decision to use interferon beta (IFN-beta) as a treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is based on both clinical characteristics and course of the disease. To better identify the profile of responders, the relationships between baseline clinical/MRI characteristics and therapeutical response was analyzed in 49 patients with RRMS randomly assigned to receive subcutaneously 3 or 9 MIU of IFN-beta-1a. The therapeutical response was evaluated as a per cent change in the mean number and volume of monthly Gd-enhancing lesions in both first (early response) and second (late response) 6-month period of treatment, compared to the 6-month pre-treatment period. A better early response was seen in patients with a lower number of relapses during the pre-treatment period, while the late response was favourably influenced by a lower baseline EDSS and the high dose. Our findings suggest that the effect of IFN-beta-1 a on disease MRI activity is dose-related and dependent on the relapse rate and the level of disability before treatment.