MS research update - 14 May 2010
- Social and psychological impact of MS on children and adolescents
- Steroid therapy may reduce risk of developing neutralising antibodies
Social and psychological impact of MS on children and adolescents
The present study investigated the social and psychological characteristics of children and adolescents with MS. 56 children and adolescents were assessed for depression, fatigue and mental health status. Participants were also interviewed about school and everyday activities (such as feeding, dressing, washing etc).
20% of participants experienced significant fatigue. MS also affected school activities in 28% of cases, daily living activities in 41% of cases, and social relationships in 28% of cases. This study highlights the psychosocial support needs of children and adolescents with MS.
Goretti B, Ghezzi A, Portaccio E, et al.
Psychosocial issues in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis.
Neurological Sciences 2010 [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract
Steroid therapy may reduce risk of developing neutralising antibodies
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances such as infections. Use of interferon beta over a period of time may result in the production of what are known as 'neutralising antibodies' or 'Nabs'. These antibodies may reduce the effectiveness of the drug. This study investigated the effect of steroid therapy on the incidence of Nabs in people receiving interferon beta.
The study was based on analysis of four research papers - reporting results of trials which used pulsed methylprednisolone (steroid) therapy, either alone or in combination with interferon beta therapy. Based on this analysis the authors suggest that steroid therapy may reduce the risk of developing NAbs when co-administered at the start of treatment with interferon beta.
Zarkou S, Carter JL, Wellik KE, et al.
Are corticosteroids efficacious for preventing or treating neutralizing antibodies in multiple sclerosis patients treated with beta-interferons? A critically appraised topic.
Neurologist 2010;16(3):212-4.
Medline abstract