Effect of interferon-β1α therapy on multiple sclerosis based on gadolinium-enhancing or active T2 magnetic resonance imaging outcomes: a meta-analysis

<p><b>Objectives:</b> Interferon-beta1alpha (IFN-β1α) is widely used to modify the course of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. However, many patients have relapses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a predictor of IFN-β1α treatment efficacy in patients with MS.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify eligible studies. Manual searches were also conducted. All eligible trials included MS patients who received IFN-β1α based on gadolinium-enhancing or active T2 MRI lesions for determination of relapse rates.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> Of 499 identified studies, we included 10 trials reporting data on 6,037 MS patients. IFN-β1α therapy significantly reduced the risk of relapse (RR: 0.87; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.76–0.99; <i>p</i> = 0.032). Furthermore, baseline median T2 lesion volume was found to be related to IFN-β1α therapy and relapse (<i>p</i> = 0.018). Subgroup analysis suggested that IFN-β1α therapy was associated with reduced risk of relapse (RR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.71–0.94; <i>p</i> = 0.005 versus placebo). However, there was no significant difference in the risk of relapse compared to treatment with low dose IFN-β1α (RR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.80–1.08; <i>p</i> = 0.337) or glatiramer acetate (RR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.77–1.14; <i>p</i> = 0.506). Finally, IFN-β1α therapy significantly increased the risk of injection-site disorders, influenza-like syndrome, and alanine transferase elevation.</p> <p><b>Discussion:</b> Effects of IFN-β1α therapy are associated with a statistically significant impact on baseline median T2 lesion volume. However, the safety outcomes are significantly worse in patients who receive IFN-β1α therapy.