Interferon beta‐1b is effective in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis: II. MRI analysis results of a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

DW Paty, DKB Li, Ubc MS/MRI Study Group… - neurology, 1993 - AAN Enterprises
DW Paty, DKB Li, Ubc MS/MRI Study Group, IFNB Multiple Sclerosis Study Group
neurology, 1993AAN Enterprises
We performed yearly MRI analyses on 327 of the total 372 patients in a multicenter,
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of interferon beta-1b (IFNB). Clinical
results are presented in the preceding companion paper. Baseline MRI characteristics were
the same in all treatment groups. Fifty-two patients at one center formed a cohort for frequent
MRIs (one every 6 weeks) for analysis of disease activity. The MRI results support the
clinical results in showing a significant reduction in disease activity as measured by …
We performed yearly MRI analyses on 327 of the total 372 patients in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of interferon beta-1b (IFNB). Clinical results are presented in the preceding companion paper. Baseline MRI characteristics were the same in all treatment groups. Fifty-two patients at one center formed a cohort for frequent MRIs (one every 6 weeks) for analysis of disease activity. The MRI results support the clinical results in showing a significant reduction in disease activity as measured by numbers of active scans (median 80% reduction, p = 0.0082) and appearance of new lesions. In addition, there was an equally significant reduction in MRI-detected burden of disease in the treatment as compared with placebo groups (mean group difference of 23%, p = 0.001). These results demonstrate that IFNB has made a significant impact on the natural history of MS in these patients.
American Academy of Neurology