Multiple sclerosis in older adults: the clinical profile and impact of interferon Beta treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We examined (1) patient characteristics and disease-modifying drug (DMD) exposure in late-onset (LOMS, ≥50 years at symptom onset) versus adult-onset (AOMS, 18-<50 years) MS and (2) the association between interferon-beta (IFNβ) and disability progression in older relapsing-onset MS adults (≥50 years).

Methods

This retrospective study (1980-2004, British Columbia, Canada) included 358 LOMS and 5627 AOMS patients. IFNβ-treated relapsing-onset MS patients aged ≥50 (regardless of onset age, 90) were compared with 171 contemporary and 106 historical controls. Times to EDSS 6 from onset and from IFNβ eligibility were examined using survival analyses.

Results

LOMS patients (6%) were more likely to be male, with motor onset and a primary-progressive course, and ex

SUBMITTER: Shirani A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4397470 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature