Quality of life in 1000 patients with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Background and purpose: To examine the quality of life (QoL) in a large cohort of untreated patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and to investigate the impact of intramuscular (IM) interferon beta‐1a (IFNß‐1a) treatment. Methods: Prospective, observational, open‐label, multicentre study conducted in Germany. Untreated patients with RRMS who initiated treatment with IM IFNß‐1a were included and followed for 12 months. QoL was measured using the EQ‐5D questionnaire. Clinical response was assessed by relapse rate and disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale; EDSS). Results: A total of 1157 patients were included [mean age 37.6 years, median disease duration 13 months, mean relapse rate 1.7 (95%CI: 1.58–1.73), median EDSS score 2.0]. Relapse rate was reduced to 0.6 at 12 months (95%CI: 0.51–0.69, P