Immunomodulator therapy migration in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: a study of 152 cases.

BACKGROUND Since 1997, immunological modulators have been used for treatment of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) in the Multiple Sclerosis Attendance and Treatment Center (CATEM) with significant alterations in this disease natural history. AIM To add data on the experience of CATEM for the treatment of RRMS patients that had immunomodulators. METHOD RRMS patients that received continuously immunomodulator drugs were evaluated on adherence, migration, withdrawal and progression rates. The patients were divided in three groups by the period of immunomodulators intake. RESULTS There were registered in Group 1 withdrawal in 98 patients (25%) and adherence in 292 cases (74%); Group 2 interruption of therapy in 140 patients, 92 (31%) due to progression for PSMS, 14 (5%) for pregnancy, withdrawal in 34 (11%), adherence in 88%; Group 3 progression in 41 (26%), pregnancy in 3 (2%) withdrawal in 42 (27%) and adherence in 72%. The migration rate was about one third (31.57%) and the principal cause was therapeutic failure; the mean migrating time was 0.5-2.5 years in group 3. CONCLUSION Immunomodulatory treatment for RRMS patients may have significant levels of failure and side effects; the adherence was compatible with the international literature.