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. 2022 Dec;12(6):311-322.
doi: 10.2217/nmt-2022-0004. Epub 2022 Sep 30.

Quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis receiving glatiramer acetate or interferon in Greek clinical practice

Dimos Mitsikostas  1 , Christos Bakirtzis  2 , Ioannis Nikolaidis  2 , Vana Tsimourtou  3 , Persa Kountra  4 , Stavroula Matsi  5 , Alexandros Papadimitriou  6
Affiliations

Quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis receiving glatiramer acetate or interferon in Greek clinical practice

Dimos Mitsikostas et al. Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate glatiramer acetate (GA) or IFN-β effects on quality of life (QoL) in people with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis (PwRRMS) in Greece. Methods: A prospective, practice-based study. QoL/function/symptoms were assessed by seven questionnaires/scales. Results: Significant increases in Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey scores occurred with GA in four of the eight domains and three of the eight domains at 6 and 12 months, respectively, versus baseline. Similar and significant SF-36 score improvements occurred with GA in treatment-naive PwRRMS. SF-36 scores were unaffected in GA-treated, IFN-β treatment-experienced PwRRMS, or with IFN-β versus baseline. Slight improvements in fatigue and sexual satisfaction were evident (6 months). No deteriorations were seen in the other four instruments. Conclusion: The findings show that 12-month treatment with GA, but not IFN-β, improved certain QoL parameters in treatment-naive PwRRMS.

Keywords: glatiramer acetate; interferon; multiple sclerosis; quality of life; real-world evidence.

Plain language summary

People with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis (PwRRMS) are treated with drugs, for example, glatiramer acetate (GA) or IFN-β. We checked if these drugs improved quality of life (QoL) in PwRRMS in Greece. QoL was measured by seven questionnaires, asking many questions on aspects of life. One survey showed significant improvements with GA treatment in almost half of the question groups. Similar improvements in this survey were seen with GA in patients who had no other previous treatments. No changes were seen in GA-treated PwRRMS who previously received IFN-β, or treated with IFN-β alone. Slight improvements in fatigue and sexual satisfaction were seen. No QoL deteriorations were seen in the other four questionnaires. Twelve months of GA treatment, but not IFN-β, improved certain QoL parameters in treatment-naive PwRRMS.

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