The Impact of Methylprednisolone Pulses during Relapses of Multiple Sclerosis on the Kinetics of Anti-Interferon-Beta Antibodies

Eur Neurol. 2016;75(1-2):82-8. doi: 10.1159/000444319. Epub 2016 Feb 12.

Abstract

Background/aims: We assessed the, hitherto unknown, impact of intravenous methylprednisolone (ivMP) pulses during relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the kinetics of anti-interferon-beta neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) and binding antibodies (Babs).

Methods: Babs (ELISA) and Nabs (antiviral cytopathic effect assay) titers were evaluated before, immediately after and at 1 month following ivMP in 60 MS patients.

Results: ivMP reduces Nabs and Babs titers for at least 1 month. Baseline titers determine Nabs and Babs seronegativity at the end of ivMP. Clinical response to ivMP tends to be better in Nabs(+) patients.

Conclusion: Sampling for Nabs/Babs should be avoided during or shortly after ivMP to avoid transient positive or negative results that may obscure the decision to switch treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / blood*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-beta / immunology*
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use
  • Kinetics
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Interferon-beta
  • Methylprednisolone