Type I interferons and the quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients.Results from a clinical trial on interferon alfa-2a

The objective of the study was to examine whether the beneficial effect of treatment of interferon alfa-2a on multiple sclerosis seen by magnetic reso nance imaging is reflected in a corresponding improvement in the quality of life (QoL) and to address the impact of adverse events related to this tre atment on the QoL The study was a randomised double-blinded Placebo-control led treatment trial including 97 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis pat ients. Thirty-two patients received 4.5 MIU recombinant interferon alfa-2a, 32 Patients received 9.0 MIU recombinant interferon alfa-2a and 33 patient s received placebo treatment for 6 months. All patients were followed up 6 months after end of treatment QoL was assessed according to the eight scale s of the SF-36 Health Survey and measured at baseline, month 3, 6 and 12. T he effect found on MRI was not reflected in a corresponding change in the Q oL. We found a relationship between the presence of new enhancing lesions a nd reduced QoL among the placebo patients, whereas this was not found among the patients treated with interferon. The presence of the adverse events f atigue myalgia, headache and weakness were significantly negatively correla ted to several of the QoL dimensions. Conclusively, the treatment with inte rferon alfa-2a does not seem to improve the patients' QoL after 6 months of treatment, in spite of a marked effect measured by MRI. The treatment is f ollowed by adverse events that negatively affected the QoL.