Abstract

PAREJA A, Jairo et al. Physical disability in daily clinical practice in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon beta-1b. Acta Neurol Colomb. [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.2, pp.87-94. ISSN 0120-8748.

Introduction: multiple sclerosis is the most disabling chronic disease affecting the central nervous system in young adults and characterized by the accumulation of physical disability varying degrees. Objectives: determine the progression of physical disability in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1b. To establish adherence to treatment and safety. Materials and Methods: observational study carried out at 9 neurological centers from the Atlantic Coast of Colombia with patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) treated with interferon beta-1b.Physical disability was measured with 5 clinical evaluations with Kurtzke´s Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results: 83 patients, mean age of 43.4 years (61.5% women). 71.1% of patients had RRMS, 20.1% SPMS and 4.8% CIS. Mean EDSS score remained under 4 (initial 3.7, final 3.5, p=0.712). No differences were found between initial scores and scores after 24 months of observation in patients with RRMS (mean, 3.7 vs 3.4, p=0.424) or SPMS group (mean, 4.0 vs 4.2, p=0.660).17 treatment interruptions occurred. 8.4% of patients experienced adverse events, 4 classified as serious. 2 fatal cases occurred. Conclusion: the functional status of patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1b remained stable without significant changes present in patients with RRMS and SPMS.

Keywords : Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis; Disability Evaluation; Interferon Beta; Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis; Retrospective Studies.

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