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Abstract #147693

Sabine Twork, MD PhD¹, Ilona Nippert², Peter Scherer, MD PhD², Judith Haas, MD PhD, Prof³, Dieter Pöhlau, MD PhD⁴, and Joachim Kugler, MD PhD, Prof¹. (1) Department of Health Sciences/Public Health, Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstr. 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany, 0049-351-458 5018, sabine_twork@hotmail.com, (2) Berlin Section, German Multiple Sclerosis Association, Paretzer Str. 1, Berlin, 10713, Germany, (3) Department of Neurology, Jüdisches Krankenhaus Berlin, Heinz-Galinksi-Str. 1, Berlin, 13347, Germany, (4) Department of Neurology, Kamillus Klinik Asbach, Hospitalstr. 6, Asbach, 53567, Germany

Objective: Assessment of compliance, satisfaction and adverse effects in a German Multiple sclerosis (MS) population treated with immunomodulating drugs. Methods: A standardised, anonymous questionnaire was sent to the 1985 members with MS of the Berlin section of the German Multiple Sclerosis Association. Patients were questioned in regards to sociodemographic data, MS related topics, therapy, adverse effects and compliance. The response rate was 51.1%, from which 681 patients experienced in therapy with beta-Interferon 1a or 1b or Glatirameracetate were selected. Results: Most participants were treated with beta-Interferons, only one-third with Glatirameracetate. Patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) showed lesser satisfaction concerning their medication. About 75.5% of patients had used the medication longer than 2 years, especially those with a relapsing-remitting course (RRMS). Around one-third of all participants had their immunomodulating drug changed, mostly only once. The main reasons for discontinuation of the therapy were adverse effects, physician recommendation and treatment failures. Mood-related adverse effects (e.g. depression), fever and pain were perceived as most disturbing. Regression analysis revealed that dependence on a wheelchair and a secondary progressive course predicted a low compliance to treatment. Conclusion: Treating MS is a challenge. Cure is not possible, yet disease-modifying drugs are opportunities to positively influence the course of the disease if administered in a constant manner. To achieve such, the compliance must be reassured through adequate information about MS, therapeutic options, handling of medication, side effects and their management. Additionally, realistic therapeutic aims should be discussed with the patients.

Learning Objectives:

• After the presentation participants should be informed about compliance, factors influencing the compliance and adverse effects of immunomodulating drugs in Multiple sclerosis patients. Participants should identify potential treatment problems in MS patients. With other public health experts we would like to discuss, how to improve compliance and to reduce adverse effects in MS patients.

Keywords: Adherence, Chronic Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.