A review of interferon use in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in the Canterbury region, New Zealand: 2000-2006.

We report a retrospective medical chart review of 104 patients resident in Canterbury and surrounding districts with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), who received funded interferon-beta between 2000 and 2006. The aim of the study was to review relapse rates, Expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) use in the 2-year period before, and following, the initiation of interferon-beta therapy. Demographic analysis showed that the age at entry, duration of disease and EDSS at entry were each greater than in the landmark clinical trials. Relapse rates and usage of IVMP decreased when compared to the 2 years prior to treatment.