Background: Indian-Asian multiple sclerosis behaves somewhat differently from Western disease. It is not known if the response to beta-interferon is also different.

Objective: To demonstrate the decrease in relapses with beta-interferon in Indian patients with multiple sclerosis.

Methods: Patients with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with at least two relapses were started on beta-interferon.

Results: Sixteen patients were followed up for a period of 1-3 years. Fifteen had relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The mean number of relapses in these patients before interferons were started was 3.4. The mean yearly relapse rate was 1.3. The mean Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at the start of beta-interferon therapy in relapsing-remitting MS was 1.7. Ten of these patients were on Avonex((R)) (interferon beta1a) and six (including the patient with secondary progressive MS) were on Betaferon((R)) (interferon beta1b). On follow-up, three patients (two on Avonex((R)) and one on Betaferon((R)) ) had relapses. The respective beta-interferon being received by these patients was continued, with no further relapses. The remaining patients had no relapse or clinical or MRI progression after starting the drug. The side effect profile of the drug in these patients was favorable; although nearly all developed fever on the first day of the injection, only 50% of the patients continued to have fever after 3 months. Two patients developed psychiatric symptoms, requiring discontinuation of the drug.

Conclusions: Our prospective follow-up study shows that beta-interferons are safe and effective in Indian patients with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS.