Disease-modifying agents in the Sonya Slifka Longitudinal Multiple Sclerosis Study
- 1 June 2008
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Multiple Sclerosis Journal
- Vol. 14 (5), 640-655
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458507086463
Abstract
BackgroundAlthough experts recommend that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) should begin treatment with disease-modifying agents (DMAs) as soon as possible after diagnosis and continue indefinitely, many do not use these agents or discontinue them prematurely. Since DMAs reduce relapse rates and slow disease progression, and since even benign relapses and course can lead to axonal damage and permanent neurologic impairment, it is important that all appropriate candidates have access to treatment. We used a population-based sample of people with MS to determine rates, predictors, and reasons for use, non-use, and discontinuation of DMAs.MethodsWe collected data from 2156 people with MS on their use of and experience with DMAs. We used chi-squared tests to compare current, past, and never users of any DMA and ever users of individual DMAs, and logistic regression to identify predictors of use.ResultsOne-half of the participants were using a DMA at the time of the interview; 12.2% had used previously, but stopped. Reasons for never using and reasons for stopping were at odds with expert recommendations. Characterization of users, and of their experiences by type of DMA, was consistent with current knowledge of these agents. Seeing a neurologist for usual MS care was an important factor in starting and persisting with DMA therapy.ConclusionsDissemination of expert opinion about, and management strategies for, use of DMAs to non-neurologic professionals and patients and their families might help more people who are appropriate candidates for DMA therapy to start and continue treatment.Keywords
This publication has 41 references indexed in Scilit:
- Access to health care for people with multiple sclerosisMultiple Sclerosis Journal, 2007
- Twenty‐four‐month comparison of immunomodulatory treatments – a retrospective open label study in 308 RRMS patients treated with beta interferons or glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®)European Journal of Neurology, 2005
- Long-term interferon-β treatment for multiple sclerosisNeurological Sciences, 2003
- Interferon-beta treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis: the patients' perceptions of the side-effectsMultiple Sclerosis Journal, 2000
- Multiple sclerosis, disease modifying treatments and depression: a critical methodological reviewMultiple Sclerosis Journal, 2000
- Managing the Adverse Effects of Interferon-?? Therapy in Multiple SclerosisDrug Safety, 2000
- Axonal Transection in the Lesions of Multiple SclerosisNew England Journal of Medicine, 1998
- Defining the clinical course of multiple sclerosisNeurology, 1996
- Disease Steps in multiple sclerosisNeurology, 1995
- New diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis: Guidelines for research protocolsAnnals of Neurology, 1983