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- Title
Frequency and severity of headache is worsened by Interferon-β therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- Authors
Patti, F.; Nicoletti, A.; Pappalardo, A.; Castiglione, A.; Lo Fermo, S.; Messina, S.; D'Amico, E.; Cimino, V.; Zappia, M.
- Abstract
Patti F, Nicoletti A, Pappalardo A, Castiglione A, Lo Fermo S, Messina S, D'Amico E, Cimino V, Zappia M. Frequency and severity of headache is worsened by Interferon-β therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis. Acta Neurol Scand: 2012: 125: 91-95. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Background - The relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and headache (HA) is not well known. It was reported that interferon-beta (IFNβ) could induce or worsen HA. Objective - To evaluate the impact of IFNβ treatment on HA and the relationship between HA and the various commercial preparations of IFNβ in mildly disabled patients with MS. Methods - A specific questionnaire was administered to 357 relapsing-remitting MS patients. Characteristics of HAs were considered, including the temporal relationships with IFNβ administration. Results - One hundred and seventeen patients were treated with weekly intramuscular injections of interferon IFNβ-1a (Avonex®), 84 with subcutaneous injections of IFNβ-1b (Betaferon®) every other day, 48 and 108 with three times weekly subcutaneous injections of IFNβ-1a (Rebif®) 22 mcg or IFNβ-1a (Rebif®) 44 mcg, respectively. Three hundred and fourteen patients were affected by HA, and among them, 219 patients suffered of pre-existing HA. In this latter group, 121 subjects (55%) noted a worsening of their HA after starting IFNβ therapy; this was more frequently reported by patients treated with Avonex® and Rebif® 44. Ninety-five patients experienced new HA. Conclusion - IFNβ treatment could worsen HA in patients with pre-existing HA or cause the appearance of new HA. Among different IFNβ preparations, Rebif® 44 and Avonex® seemed to be more cephalalgic than the other drugs.
- Subjects
HEADACHE; INTERFERONS; MULTIPLE sclerosis treatment; INTRAMUSCULAR injections; HEAD diseases; TREATMENT effectiveness
- Publication
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 2012, Vol 125, Issue 2, p91
- ISSN
0001-6314
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1600-0404.2011.01532.x