EFFECTS OF RECOMBINANT INTERFERON-ALPHA-2B THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE MS

The effects of systemic recombinant interferon-alpha-2b were studied i n 6 carefully selected patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. 3 .0 million IU were given as daily subcutaneous injections for 6 months , 5 patients showed worsening disability, and in 4 of them new or enla rged lesions were detected in MRI. In one patient no change in disabil ity was found; his MRI showed regressed changes. The mean progression index during the treatment was significantly higher (p<0.02) than duri ng the previous 2 to 3 years' period of continuous progression. The fr equency of peripheral blood natural killer (CD16+) cells declined sign ificantly 3 months during the treatment, but returned to the pretreatm ent values after termination the treatment. An increase of intrathecal IgG synthesis and oligoclonal bands was demonstrated in 4 and 3 patie nts, respectively. Our experience suggests that long-term recombinant IFN-alpha-2b treatment may activate the immunological process of MS.