Quality of life in multiple sclerosis:: influence of interferon-β1a (Avonex®) treatment

Background: Numerous data argue for initiating treatment with interfron-beta (IFN-beta) at an early stage in multiple sclerosis (MS). The consequences of its use may negatively influence the MS patient's quality of life (QoL). Objective: To evaluate the QoL of MS patients before and after a one-year period of treatment with IFN-beta1a (Avonex(R)). Patients and Methods: QoL was assessed using the SF-36 in 121 relapsing-remitting MS patients. We compared QoL before and after treatment and with data from a normal population. We also studied the possible influence of disease progression on the SF-36 scores. Results. One hundred six patients completed the study (87%). Compared to a normal population, patients were, at baseline, worse off for all QoL scales, varying from a minimum decrease of 0.73 SD in mental health, to a maximum decrease of 1.55 SD in general health. After treatment, we found no significant changes in any of the QoL scores, except for physical function, where we noted a slight but significant decrease (p=0.03). Furthermore, there was no significant change either in the physical component summary (PCS) or mental component summary (MCS). The 'reported health transition' item was significantly improved compared to baseline (p=0.001). At inclusion, significant correlations were found between EDSS scores and scores of physical function (p<0.001), role - physical (p<0.01), general health and social function (both p<0.01), and with the PCS (p<0.01). Patients with clinical relapses and/or disability progression had a more significant decrease in physical function (p<0.05) and also in social function (p<0.05). Conclusion: The QoL, assessed by the SF-36 scale, is correlated with disability in MS. IFN-beta1a treatment (Avonex(R)) has no negative effect on MS patient's QoL.