|
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- There is a new way for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to prevent relapses of their disease.
New research from Switzerland reveals interferon beta-1a can help patients who have the relapsing-remitting type of MS.
Text Continues Below
Relapsing remitting MS is characterized by flare-ups followed by periods of remission. The flare-ups usually come suddenly, last a few weeks or months then gradually disappear. Most MS patients have this form of the disease when they are first diagnosed.
Researchers looked at follow up data for up to eight years after patients enrolled in the Prevention of Relapses and Disability by Interferon beta-1a Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis (PRISMS) study. Results reveal when patients are given interferon beta-1a early, especially at a high dose, it helped prevent relapses. Early treatment also seems to slow long-term progression of the disease.
Researchers did not find any new safety concerns and say interferon beta-1a was generally well tolerated.
Medical experts believe MS is an autoimmune disease -- a disease in which the immune system attacks part of the body as if it were a foreign substance. Most MS patients have their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Neurology, 2006;67:1242
|
.gif)
