Patient characteristics that may help predict disease outcomes include number of relapses in the past 2 years, new MRI lesions in year 1, higher number of relapses in year 1, MRI activity, and the presence of neutralizing antibodies, according to a study of 857 patients with relapsing-remitting MS who were treated with interferon beta-1b. All 857 patients were included in the analysis of clinical outcomes and 765 of those were included in the MRI outcomes analysis. Researchers found:
• Future occurrence of relapses was predicted by a higher number of relapses in the past 2 years, ≥ 3 new MRI lesions in year 1, and, especially, a higher number of relapses in year 1.
• Future MRI activity was principally predicted by age, MRI activity, and the presence of neutralizing antibodies in year 1.
Citation: Hartung HP, Kappos L, Goodin DS, et al. Predictors of disease activity in 857 patients with MS treated with interferon beta-1b. [Published online ahead of print August 5, 2015]. J Neurol. doi: 10.1007/s00415-015-7862-9.