One-year MRI scan predicts clinical response to interferon beta in multiple sclerosis

Eur J Neurol. 2009 Nov;16(11):1202-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2009.02708.x. Epub 2009 Jun 15.

Abstract

Background and purpose: To define the predictive value of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics in identifying relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patients with sustained disability progression during interferon beta (IFNB) treatment.

Methods: All patients receiving treatment with one of the available IFNB formulations for at least 1 year were included in this single-centre, prospective and post-marketing study. Demographic, clinical and MRI data were collected at IFNB start and at 1 year of therapy; patients were followed-up at least yearly. Poor clinical response was defined as the occurrence of a sustained disability progression of > or =1 point in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) during the follow-up period.

Results: Out of 454 RR-MS patients starting IFNB therapy, data coming from 394 patients with a mean follow-up of 4.8 (2.4) years were analysed. Sixty patients were excluded because of too short follow-up. Less than 1/3 (30.4%) of the patients satisfied the criterion of 'poor responders'. Patients presenting new lesions on T2-weighted MRI scan after 1 year of therapy (compared with baseline) had a higher risk of being poor responder to treatment with IFNB during the follow-up period (HR 16.8, 95% CI 7.6-37.1, P < 0.001). An augmented risk increasing the number of lesions was observed, with a 10-fold increase for each new lesion.

Conclusions: Developing new T2-hyperintense lesions during IFNB treatment was the best predictor of long-term poor response to therapy. MRI scans performed after 1 year of IFNB treatment may be useful in contributing to early identification of poor responders.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Child
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Interferon-beta