Side Effects of bb-Interferon: A Comparative Study Among Avonex, Betaseron and Rebif: Side effects of b-interferon

The administration of b-interferon is a recognized treatment for multiple sclerosis. The frequency of side effects is an important factor in drug or product selection. In this study, the side effects of three available b-interferon products are compared in 122 multiple sclerosis patients who were treated with b-interferon products for at least three months and had the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) between 1 and 6. The frequencies of side effects were determined for each group and the collected information were compared in the three treated groups. Fever, chills, headache, malaise and asthenia were the most frequent observed complications. Necrosis at the injection site was seen only in Betaseron group. Somnolence was more frequent with the administration of Avonex. Gastro-intestinal disturbances were less frequent in patients treated with Rebif. Weight gain was more frequent in patients treated with Avonex, and seizure and migraine were observed only in this group.Urticaria and hypersensitivity skin reactions were less frequent with the administration of Avonex. Rebif may be a better choice for patients with gastrointestinal disturbances, suicidal attempts and chronic fatigue syndrome. Avonex may be better tolerated in patients with a history of urticaria and hypersensitivity skin reactions, but it is less recommended for patients with a history of seizure, migraine and syncope. Betaseron may be a better choice in patients with a history of chest pain and hypertension

Abductor Pollicis Brevis/Abductor Digiti Minimi Compound Muscle Action Potential Ratio as a Diagnostic Marker for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Background: We aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of abductor pollicis brevis/abductor digiti minimi compound muscle action potentials (APB/ADM CMAP) ratio as an indicator of split hand phenomenon in the differentiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients from healthy controls. Objectives: To assess diagnostic utility of APB/ADM CMAP ratio as an indicator split hand phenomenon in differentiation of ALS patients from healthy controls. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at Alzahra and Kashani hospitals of Isfahan, Iran, in 2021. The study population consisted of all patients with definite diagnoses of ALS who had undergone electrophysiological studies within the previous 5 years. APB/ADM CMAP ratio was calculated in both groups based on right/left hand and below/ over 50 years of age. The statistical analysis also evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the APB/ ADM amplitude ratio. Results: A total of 200 ALS patients and 200 healthy controls were evaluated. APB/ADM ratios of the right hand in the controls and patients were 1.27±0.71 and 1.27±1.69 (P=0.961), while in the left hand, these figures were 1.30±0.54 and 1.11±0.97, respectively (P=0.018). Analysis based on age group revealed a significant difference in the APB/ADM amplitude ratio in the left hand of individuals younger than 50. The cut-off points of 0.81 (sensitivity=86.2% and specificity=58.7%) and 1.03 (sensitivity=72.5% and specificity=58.5%) were calculated for right and left hands, respectively. Conclusion: APB/ADM CMAP ratio is a relatively highly sensitive but moderately specific diagnostic marker for differentiating ALS patients from healthy controls with higher diagnostic utility in patients younger than 50