Elevated aminotransferases during treatment with interferon-beta for multiple sclerosis: actions and outcomes

Mult Scler. 2004 Jun;10(3):298-301. doi: 10.1191/1352458504ms1007oa.

Abstract

The authors report further analysis of a six-year retrospective chart review of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients prescribed interferon-beta (IFNB) in British Columbia, Canada. Actions and outcomes taken when 284/835 (34%) of the patients developed de novo elevated aminotransferases are presented; 239/284 (84%) of patients were continued on treatment despite these elevations; 216/246 (88%) of patients reaching grade 1 toxicity (greater than the upper limit of normal) continued IFNB treatment; of these, 167/216 (77%) returned to within normal limits. Of the 22/29 (76%) reaching grade 2 toxicity (> 2.5 times the upper limit of normal) and continuing treatment, 14/22 (64%) returned to within the normal range. One of the nine patients reaching grade 3 toxicity ( > 5 times the upper limit of normal) was allowed continue treatment and their aminotransferase levels returned to within normal limits. However, one patient reaching grade 3 toxicity went on to develop liver failure (previously reported).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / blood
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-beta / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-beta / adverse effects*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / blood
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Transaminases / blood*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Interferon-beta
  • Transaminases