BACKGROUND Interferon beta (IFNbeta) reduces relapses and MRI activity in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), with variable effects on disability. The most effective dose regimen remains controversial. METHODS This randomized, controlled, multicenter trial compared the efficacy and safety of IFNbeta-1a (Rebif) 44 micro g subcutaneously three times weekly (tiw), and IFNbeta-1a (Avonex) 30 micro g I...

An understanding of the risks, benefits, and relative value of glatiramer acetate (GA) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been evolving based on recently completed head-to-head studies: REGARD (REbif vs Glatiramer Acetate in Relapsing MS Disease); BEYOND (Betaseron Efficacy Yielding Outcomes of a New Dose); and BECOME (BEtaseron vs COpaxone in Multiple Sclerosis with Triple-Dose Gadolinium and 3-Te...

abstract introduction:  this study was performed to compare the effects of low-dose interferon beta-1(cinnovex,30 mcg) and high-dose interferon beta-1(rebif,44 mcg) on the reduction of the number and size of plaques in magnetic resonance imaging (mri) in patients with multiple sclerosis (ms). methods and materials: this historical cohort study, which was performed in 2014 in sanandaj (western p...

AIM The REbif FLEXible dosing in early MS (REFLEX) study compared several brain MRI outcomes in patients presenting with clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis and treated with two dose-frequencies of subcutaneous interferon (IFN) β-1a or placebo. METHODS Patients were randomised (1:1:1) to IFN β-1a, 44 µg subcutaneously three times a week or once a week, or placebo th...

The patient was a 32-year-old woman referred to a neurologist in 2008 for walking difficulty and easy fatigue. Physical examination revealed spastic paraparesis. The patient had history of some neurological symptoms since 2003 which were neglected because of little functional impairment and self-limitation. Brain and cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fulfilled Barkhof criteria for multi...

Dear Editor, Infusions of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) are the only established therapy for patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) (Umapathi et al., 2009), but the effects are transient and the infusions have to be repeated periodically (Van den Berg, 2007). As two pilot trials with interferon beta-1a (INFβ-1a) as a monotherapy have suggested some benefit (Martina et al., 1999; v...

Interferon beta was approved in Spain in 1995 for the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis. There are 2 main types, interferon beta-1a and 1b, both of which are sold in a variety of formulations, resulting in a range of responses to the same molecule. Local skin reactions are a common adverse effect, and are usually self-limiting. By contrast, panniculitis and lipoatrophy are very rare, ...