• Loredana La Mantia, Laura Vacchi, Marco Rovaris, Carlo Di Pietrantonj, George Ebers, Sten Fredrikson, and Graziella Filippini.
• Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Santa Maria Nascente Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, I-20148 Milano, Italy. lamantialore@gmail.com
• J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr.. 2013 Apr 1;84(4):420-6.

BackgroundIt is unclear whether recombinant β interferons (IFNβ) can be effective in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). The aim was to determine whether IFNβ can reduce the risk of disability and cognitive impairment progression in SPMS.MethodsUsing Cochrane methodology, we reviewed all randomised placebo controlled trials of IFNβ in SPMS patients (1995-March 2012).Results5 trials (3082 patients) were included. After 3 years, interferons did not reduce disability progression, confirmed at 6 months (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.16). A small reduction in the number of patients who had relapses during the first 3 years of treatment (RR 0.91, 0.84 to 0.97) was found. No analysis of cognitive data was possible. More treated than placebo patients dropped out for adverse events.Conclusion3 year treatment with IFNβ does not delay permanent disability in SPMS but reduces relapse risk, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of IFNβ is unable to prevent MS progression once it has become established.

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