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Favorable effect of immunomodulator therapy on bone mineral density in multiple sclerosis

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Abstract

Background

Osteoporosis is a complication of multiple sclerosis (MS), especially if corticosteroid therapy is given. Little is known about the effect on bone of immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) for MS.

Aim

We sought to evaluate bone mass in patients with MS on IMT.

Methods

We measured bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 37 patients with MS who received IMT. Different IMTs were administered: interferon beta-1a in 70%, interferon beta-1b in 27% and Glatiramer in 3%. High-dose pulse corticosteroid therapy (intravenous methylprednisolone 500 mg) was given to 81% ranging from 1 to 17 courses.

Results

Both mean BMD Z-score at spine of 0.53 (CI, 0.15–0.92; P = 0.0084) and mean BMD Z-score at femur of 0.72 (CI, 0.42–1.01; P < 0.0001) were significantly greater than zero.

Conclusions

IMT may have a favorable effect on bone in patients with MS even in the presence of pulse steroid therapy.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge gratefully the assistance of Susan van der Kamp with acquisition of DXA scans. Dr. Janice Redmond received a research grant from Schering as financial support for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    M. Shuhaibar & J. M. T. Redmond

  2. DXA Unit, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    M. J. McKenna & M. Au-Yeong

  3. St. Michael’s Hospital, Lower George’s Street, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland

    M. J. McKenna & M. Au-Yeong

Authors
  1. M. Shuhaibar
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  2. M. J. McKenna
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  3. M. Au-Yeong
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  4. J. M. T. Redmond
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. J. McKenna.

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Shuhaibar, M., McKenna, M.J., Au-Yeong, M. et al. Favorable effect of immunomodulator therapy on bone mineral density in multiple sclerosis. Ir J Med Sci 178, 43–45 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0253-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0253-9

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