A Cunningham1, K Gottberg, L von Koch, J Hillert. 1. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden. cunningham.anna@gmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore the occurrence and reasons for stopping, switching or continuing first prescribed interferon-beta therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis in Sweden, with respect to demographic, clinical and/or therapy-related factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study reviewing the medical charts of 259 patients with multiple sclerosis, comparing patients continuing therapy for at least 3 years with those switching or stopping therapy. RESULTS: Sixty 9% stopped (15%), or switched (54%), interferon-beta therapy within 3 years. Stoppers had longer disease duration before starting therapy (P = 0.002), less frequently relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (P = 0.046), and more often Expanded Disability Status Scale scores 6-9.5 (P = 0.045) compared to Switchers. The most common reasons for switching/stopping therapy were perceived lack of effect and side-effects. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to initial immune-modulating therapy is low; identification of patients at higher risk of stopping therapy and provision of adequate support are essential.
OBJECTIVES: To explore the occurrence and reasons for stopping, switching or continuing first prescribed interferon-beta therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis in Sweden, with respect to demographic, clinical and/or therapy-related factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study reviewing the medical charts of 259 patients with multiple sclerosis, comparing patients continuing therapy for at least 3 years with those switching or stopping therapy. RESULTS: Sixty 9% stopped (15%), or switched (54%), interferon-beta therapy within 3 years. Stoppers had longer disease duration before starting therapy (P = 0.002), less frequently relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (P = 0.046), and more often Expanded Disability Status Scale scores 6-9.5 (P = 0.045) compared to Switchers. The most common reasons for switching/stopping therapy were perceived lack of effect and side-effects. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to initial immune-modulating therapy is low; identification of patients at higher risk of stopping therapy and provision of adequate support are essential.
Authors: Oscar Fernández; Eduardo Agüera; Javier Agüera; Guillermo Izquierdo; Jorge Millán-Pascual; Javier Millán-Pascual; Lluis Ramió I Torrentà; Pedro Oliva; Joaquin Argente; Javier Argente; Yasmina Berdei; Jose Maria Soler; Olga Carmona; Jose Maria Errea; Jordi Farrés Journal: PLoS One Date: 2012-05-16 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Simon Zhornitsky; Jamie Greenfield; Marcus W Koch; Scott B Patten; Colleen Harris; Winona Wall; Katayoun Alikhani; Jodie Burton; Kevin Busche; Fiona Costello; Jeptha W Davenport; Scott E Jarvis; Dina Lavarato; Helene Parpal; David G Patry; Michael Yeung; Luanne M Metz Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-04-13 Impact factor: 3.240