Multiple Sclerosis in Older Adults: The Clinical Profile and Impact of Interferon Beta Treatment

Abstract EN

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 exhibit faster progression and were less likely to take DMDs.

Nonetheless, 57% were relapsing-onset, of which 31% were prescribed DMDs, most commonly IFNβ.

Among older relapsing-onset MS adults, no significant association between IFNβ exposure and disability progression was found when either the contemporary (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.18–1.22) or historical controls (HR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.20–1.42) were considered.

Conclusion.

LOMS differed clinically from AOMS.

One-third of older relapsing-onset MS patients were prescribed a DMD.

IFNβ exposure was not significantly associated with reduced disability in older MS patients.