@article { ISI:000352890400001,
	title = {Multiple sclerosis in older adults: the clinical profile and impact of interferon beta treatment},
	journal = {BioMed Research International},
	volume = {2015},
	year = {2015},
	pages = {ID451912, 11 pages},
	publisher = {HINDAWI PUBLISHING CORPORATION},
	address = {410 PARK AVENUE, 15TH FLOOR, \#287 PMB, NEW YORK, NY 10022 USA},
	abstract = {<p>Background. We examined (1) patient characteristics and disease-modifying drug (DMD) exposure in late-onset (LOMS, \&gt;= 50 years at symptom onset) versus adult-onset (AOMS, 18-\&lt;50 years) MS and (2) the association between interferon-beta (IFN beta) and disability progression in older relapsing-onset MS adults (\&gt;= 50 years). Methods. This retrospective study (1980-2004, British Columbia, Canada) included 358 LOMS and 5627 AOMS patients. IFN beta-treated relapsing-onset MS patients aged \&gt;= 50 (regardless of onset age, 90) were compared with 171 contemporary and 106 historical controls. Times to EDSS 6 from onset and from IFN beta eligibility were examined using survival analyses. Results. LOMS patients (6\%) were more likely to be male, with motor onset and a primary-progressive course, and exhibit faster progression and were less likely to take DMDs. Nonetheless, 57\% were relapsing-onset, of which 31\% were prescribed DMDs, most commonly IFN beta. Among older relapsing-onset MS adults, no significant association between IFN beta exposure and disability progression was found when either the contemporary (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.46; 95\% CI: 0.18-1.22) or historical controls (HR: 0.54; 95\% CI: 0.20-1.42) were considered. Conclusion. LOMS differed clinically from AOMS. One-third of older relapsing-onset MS patients were prescribed a DMD. IFN beta exposure was not significantly associated with reduced disability in older MS patients.</p>
},
	doi = {10.1155/2015/451912},
	author = {Shirani, A and Zhao, Y and Petkau, J and Gustafson, P and Karim, ME and Evans, C and Kingwell, E and van der Kop, ML and Oger, J and Tremlett, H}
}
