Abstract Details

Title Longitudinal Assessment of Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on Interferon beta-1a

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) P15 - Poster Session 15 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 12-009

Background Degeneration of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) over time occurs with MS, but the effects can be mitigated by disease modifying therapies (DMTs). IFNβ-1a is an FDA approved DMT for RRMS and may slow the progression of neuroaxonal loss. OCT is a sensitive method in detecting retinal nerve degeneration and quantifying potential neuroprotective effects with DMTs in RRMS.

Objective To perform a longitudinal analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and clinical disease progression in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) on interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a).

Design/Methods Prospective analysis was performed at the University of Utah Multiple Sclerosis Clinic on 400 RRMS patients, who had been on IFNβ-1a for 24 months or longer. Patients with baseline and 24-month EDSS scores, visual acuity, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), RNFL thickness and total macular volume (TMV), and brain and spinal cord MRIs were included in this investigation (n=175).

Results Of the 175 patients that completed all evaluations, 72.6% were female (n=127) with mean age (SD) of 58.2 (17.7) years. OCT data showed stability over 24 months, with RNFL thickness 84.5 μm to 84.0 μm (p=0.81) and TMV 8.3 mm³ to 8.2 mm³ (p=0.81). At baseline, average EDSS was 3.925. In addition, no clinical relapses were documented by treating neurologists within the 24 months of study. Radiologically, only 12 new lesions identified in 11 individual patients over 24 months were observed on clinical brain and spinal cord MRIs (n=340).

Conclusions In this longitudinal study, interferon beta-1a imparts stability on OCTs, clinical, and radiological measures over 24 months. Inhibition of neurodegenerative processes may be achieved with IFNβ-1a.

Authors/Disclosures
Ka-Ho Wong (U of U Neurology Clinic) PRESENTER	The institution of Mr. Wong has received research support from The Sumaira Foundation . The institution of Mr. Wong has received research support from The Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association.
Rae E. Bacharach, DO (Penn State University, Milton S Hershey Medical Center)	Dr. Bacharach has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for American Academy of Neurology.
	No disclosure on file
Julia Klein, NP (University of Utah School of Medicine)	An immediate family member of Ms. Klein has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Amgen. An immediate family member of Ms. Klein has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Amgen.
M. M. Paz Soldan, MD, PhD (University of Utah)	Dr. Paz Soldan has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for TG Therapeutics. The institution of Dr. Paz Soldan has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Paz Soldan has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The institution of Dr. Paz Soldan has received research support from Western Institute for Biomedical Research. The institution of Dr. Paz Soldan has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. Paz Soldan has received research support from Novartis. The institution of Dr. Paz Soldan has received research support from Clene Nanomedicine.
John W. Rose, MD, FAAN (Imaging and Neurosciences Center)	The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation. The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from NIH . The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from VA. The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from Friends of MS. Dr. Rose has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care.