Abstract
Background: In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors resulted in a significantly ameliorated disease course. We evaluated the effects of ARBs and ACE inhibitors on the efficacy of interferon beta-1b in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Methods: In this post hoc analysis of the BEYOND (Betaferon Efficacy Yielding Outcomes of a New Dose) study, clinical and MRI end points were compared between patients treated with interferon beta-1b 250 or 500 μg and concomitant ARBs or ACE inhibitors and patients treated with interferon beta-1b 250 or 500 μg only (reference group). Results: Patients in the ARB group (n = 22) tended to have a higher relapse rate (0.48 vs. 0.23, p = 0.051) and a higher number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions (0.6 vs. 0.3, p = 0.057) than patients in the reference group. Patients in the ACE inhibitor group (n = 49) also tended to have a higher relapse rate (0.29 vs. 0.22, p = 0.357). No differences were observed for the other end points. Conclusion: In the BEYOND study cohort, a concomitant medication with ARBs or ACE inhibitors did not have a beneficial effect in patients with RRMS treated with interferon beta-1b. As patients appeared to have a higher relapse rate, our results warrant further investigation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 173-179 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | European Neurology |
Volume | 71 |
Issue number | 3-4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- Angiotensin receptor blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
- BEYOND study
- Cardiovascular comorbidity
- Hypertension
- Immune system
- Interferon beta
- Multiple sclerosis
- Renin-angiotensin system
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Neurology