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

Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome `La Sapienza', Italy

C Pozzilli

Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome `La Sapienza', Italy

M Fiorelli

Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome `La Sapienza', Italy

C Gasperini

Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome `La Sapienza', Italy

F Bagnato

Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome `La Sapienza', Italy

S Galgani

Department of Neurology, S Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy

M Frontoni

Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome `La Sapienza', Italy

O Ciccarelli

Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome `La Sapienza', Italy

S Bastianello

Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome `La Sapienza', Italy

The decision to use interferon beta (IFN-b) 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-b-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-b-1a on disease MRI activity is dose-related and dependent on the relapse rate and the level of disability before treatment.

Key Words: IFN-ß-1a • Gd-enhanced MRI • therapeutical response • relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis, Vol. 4, No. 5, 403-407 (1998)
DOI: 10.1177/135245859800400501


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