Interferon beta-1a in children with multiple sclerosis is well tolerated.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease rare in children. Currently marketed disease modifying therapies are limited to adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the tolerability of interferon beta-1a (IFNB-1a) 30 mcg injected intramuscularly once a week in children with clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

DESIGN/METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was sent to neurologists in the United States to determine the tolerability of IFNB-1a in patients younger than 16 years.

RESULTS: Tolerability data were available for 9 of 33 children who were reported to initiate IFNB-1a. Mean age on initiating treatment was 12.7 years (range 8 - 15) and mean duration of therapy was 17 months (range 5 - 36). No patient discontinued therapy due to an adverse event.

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data indicate that weekly intramuscular injections of IFNB-1a are well tolerated.