Impact of Natalizumab on Cognitive Performances and Fatigue in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective, Open-Label, Two Years Observational Study

作者：Iaffaldano Pietro^*; Viterbo Rosa Gemma; Paolicelli Damiano; Lucchese Guglielmo; Portaccio Emilio; Goretti Benedetta; Direnzo Vita; D' Onghia Mariangela; Zoccolella Stefano; Amato Maria Pia; Trojano Maria

来源：PLos One, 2012, 7(4): e35843.

DOI：10.1371/journal.pone.0035843

Background and Objectives: Natalizumab reduces the relapse rate and magnetic resonance imaging activity in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). So far the influence of natalizumab on cognitive functions and fatigue in MS remains uncertain. The aim of this prospective, open-label, observational study was to evaluate the possible effects of natalizumab on cognition and fatigue measures in RRMS patients treated for up to two years. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: Cognitive performances were examined by the Rao%26apos;s Brief Repeatable Battery (BRB), the Stroop test (ST) and the Cognitive Impairment Index (CII), every 12 months. Patients who failed in at least 3 tests of the BRB and the ST were classified as cognitively impaired (CI). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was administered every 12 months to assess patient%26apos;s self-reported fatigue. One hundred and 53 patients completed 1 and 2 year-natalizumab treatment, respectively. %26lt;br%26gt;Results: After 1 year of treatment the percentage of CI patients decreased from 29% (29/100) at baseline to 19% (19/100) (p = 0.031) and the mean baseline values of CII (13.52 +/- 6.85) and FSS (4.01 +/- 1.63) scores were significantly reduced (10.48 +/- 7.12, p %26lt; 0.0001 and 3.61 +/- 1.56, p = 0.008). These significant effects were confirmed in the subgroup of patients treated up to two years. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions: These results demonstrate that a short-term NTZ treatment may significantly improve cognitive performances and fatigue in RRMS patients.

• 出版日期2012-4-25