Gender does not seem to have an effect on response to interferon-beta treatment in men and women with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study published in Acta Neurologica Scandinavica.
Researchers hypothesized that gender played a role in the relapse rate of patients with MS being treated with interferon-beta. They studied 2,033 patients treated with the therapy from 1996 to 2003, and determined neutralizing antibody (Nab)-positive and Nab-negative periods in each patient using Nab tests. Relapse rates were compared between NAb-postive and NAb-negative periods, with patients serving as their own controls.
Using relapse counts as the response variable, researchers found that NAbs had a strong influence in the on-treatment relapse rates in both sexes, but the rates did not differ between men and women. The women:men relapse rate ratio irrespective of NAb status was 1.47 (95%CI; 1.28–1.68).
The researchers concluded that there was no indication of differing effects of interferon-beta usage in men or women.
Interferon-beta molecule
This study intends to identify a relationship between gender and effectiveness of interferon-beta treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis. The study of over 2,000 patients treated with the therapy based response rates on NAb-postive and NAb-negative periods within each patient, with relapse counts as the response variable. No correlation between sex and relapse rate during treatment with interferon-beta was found.
You’ve read {{metering-count}} of {{metering-total}} articles this month.
We want you to take advantage of everything Neurology Advisor has to offer. To view unlimited content, log in or register for free.
{{login-button}} {{register-button}}
Want to view more content from Neurology Advisor?
Register now at no charge to access unlimited clinical news with personalized daily picks for you, full-length features, case studies, conference coverage, and more.
{{login-button}} {{register-button}}
Want to read more?
Please login or register first to view this content.