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In patients with isolated syndromes and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), clinical trials have demonstrated short-term benefits of disease-modifying agents in reducing relapses and changes on magnetic resonance imaging. However, the long-term effects of these medications on disability are more difficult to demonstrate, as studies are typically short. This was a 16-year follow-up from the start of the pivotal study of interferon beta-1b (IFNβ-1b), in which patients were randomized to IFNβ-1b (50 μg or 250 μg) or placebo for 2 years; the 250-μg group had significantly fewer relapses than the placebo group at 2 and 5 years (Neurology 1995; 45:1277). The patients were recontacted for participation in the 16-year follow-up. This study…