The Effect of Interferon on Relapse Rate in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system disease that typically strikes young adults, especially women. The pathobiology of MS includes inflammatory and neurodegenerative mechanisms that affect both white and gray matter. This was a retrospective comparative study conducted on 50 patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS); to assess EDSS score (Expanded Disability Status Scale) and Relapse Rate of M.S patients after one year of receiving Interferon. This is Retrospective, randomized study included Fifty Egyptian patients with relapsing RRMS were recruited from Neurology department of Maadi military hospital and Ain Shams university hospital, as well as outpatient clinics. The included patients were all receiving medications in the form of disease modifying therapies (DMTs) (Immunomodulators). Results; the mean age of all patients was (32.5 ± 3.6) years. Regarding gender of the patients, the majority (66%) of patients were males; while (34%) were females. Comparative study between the 3 groups revealed Non-significant difference as regards age and sex of the patients (p > 0.05). highly significant decrease in 1-year EDSS score and relapse rate, in Rebif® then Betaferon® group; compared to Avonex® group (p < 0.01 respectively). Spearman's correlation analysis shows that; Age, and age at onset, had a highly significant positive correlation with 1-year relapse rate (p < 0.05 respectively).