Retrospective evaluation of interferon-beta treatment in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

BACKGROUND

Few effective treatment methods are available for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE),an infection associated with the measles virus. Interferons have shown some benefit in previous studies and clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 2 different regimens of interferon-beta(IFN-beta) in the treatment of SSPE in pediatric patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared the results obtained with 2 regimens of IFN-beta1a: 60 microg administered intramuscularly once weekly (IFN-beta 1/wk), or 22 microg administered subcutaneously 3 times per week (IFN-beta 3/wk). All patients also received oral inosiplex 50 to 100 mg/kg daily, a treatment known to have partial efficacy in SSPE. Patients who continued treatment for at least 3 months and had at least 1 year of follow-up data were evaluated. Clinical parameters included the Neurological Disability Index (NDI), a measurement of mental, motor, and sensory functions; disease stage; and mental status. Data obtained at 6 and 12 months were compared with those at the time of diagnosis, and the percent change from baseline was calculated. A satisfactory clinical response was defined as reduction or stabilization of the NDI or stage improvement at 6 or 12 months.

RESULTS

Patients treated with IFN-beta 3/wk had increased survival time (P < 0.02) and higher clinical response rates compared with those treated with IFN-beta 1/wk (P < 0.05). When stage 2 and stage 3 patients were evaluated separately, survival was significantly longer (P = 0.007) and the rate of progression slower in both stage groups with IFN-beta 3/wk.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained for this patient sample suggest that IFN-beta administered subcutaneously times per week combined with inosiplex may be an effective treatment option in SSPE. This treatment regimen warrants further study.