Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate progressive changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to assess the possible neuroprotective role of different frequently used therapies in this disease.Methods104 patients with MS underwent a complete ophthalmic evaluation including structural assessment of the RNFL thickness using Spectral domain Optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). All subjects were re‐evaluated after 5 years to quantify structural changes. Changes were compared between treated and untreated patients, between different therapies and between intramuscular (IM) interferon (IFN) beta‐1a (Avonex) and other frequently prescribed treatments (subcutaneus IFN beta‐1a, IFN beta‐1b, glatiramer acetate, metoxantrone and natalizumab).ResultsSignificant thinning of the peripapillary RNFL thickness was observed at 5‐year follow‐up in all patients (p < 0.001). A significant loss in the RNFL thickness (inferior sector, p = 0.002) was observed in the treated group compared to untreated patients. No significant differences were found between therapies when single groups of treatments were compared. Progressive RNFL loss was observed in the glatiramer acetate group over the IM IFN beta‐1a group (p = 0.002). A clear tendency towards a greater axonal loss was observed in the IFN beta‐1b, the glatiramer acetate and the SC IFN beta‐1a group compared to IM IFN beta‐1a treatment.ConclusionsIM IFN beta‐1a may have a neuroprotective effect over progressive axonal degeneration in MS patients compared to other current therapies. These patients present progressive axonal loss detected by the analysis of the RNFL using OCT which may be useful to evaluate disease progression and effectiveness of current MS therapies.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call