Report of the Multiple Sclerosis Treatments in Iran (Khorasan Provinces)
2822-2825
Correspondence
****Department of Neurology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
*****Statistical consultant, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Corresponding Author:
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hkhani224@gmail.com
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nerve system. Iran has a medium-high prevalence of MS patients. While much is known about the beneficial and adverse treatments of MS in the world, there is a paucity of documental information about MS treatments in Iran. This study was done to provide the documentary details of MS medications. In a 6-month cross-sectional study, 248 MS patients from the Mashhad MS association in the Khorasan province were surveyed. Data was collected by employing a 32- item self-administered questionnaire in a face to face interview, which consisted of different variables. Nonparametric tests and descriptive statistical analysis were applied to assess the distribution and the effects of medication use in the population. 40% of the patients used interferonβ-1b (Betaferon), 30% used interferonβ-1a (Rebif), 14% used interferonβ-1a (Avonex), 13% used interferon β-1a (CinnoVex) [Immunomodulatory Agents (IMDs)] and 3% used Mitoxantrone (Non-IMDs). The patients’ satisfaction with INF therapy in terms of, the most efficacy, the least side effect, the cost and attacks reduction was 59% for Avonex, 74% for Betaferon, 44% CinnoVex and 77% for Rebif. The most adverse effects reported by Avonex users were flulike symptoms (53%), headache (31%), tiredness and muscle-aches (16%); Betaferon: flulike symptoms (60%), injection site reactions (25%), hair loss(15%) and Rebif: headache and muscle-aches (60%), injection site reactions (30%) and menstrual disorders (10%) . There was no significant association between the side effects of INF with respect to gender, the war attendance, family history of attending in the war, BMI (p value>0.05). The only significant difference was between CinnoVex side effects with respect to gender and BMI, as a high proportion of females reported flu-like symptoms, injection site reaction and hair loss. The common method of MS treatment was the modulation of the immune system with IMDs, low-dose (Avonex-CinnoVex) for low frequency and high -dose (Betaferon-Rebif) for high frequency. The main aim of symptom therapy was to cure depression and spasticity. The least adverse effects were related to Rebif, Betaferon, and Avonex respectively. The only medicine for MS relapses was a course of high dose of Methyl prednisolone. The overall treatment pattern of MS in Iran is like that in the western countries.