Place of residence determines access to interferon-beta therapy in MS. Less than 15 per cent of patients are treated--big differences between the counties
Andersson, A.; Persson, P.M.; Fredrikson, S.
Lakartidningen 96(49): 5492-5495
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-7205 PMID: 10643243 Document Number: 510422
Interferon-beta (IFNB) is the first agent to be registered in Sweden for modifying disease course in multiple sclerosis (MS). A nationwide survey uncovered a tenfold variation between counties in the prescribing of IFNB. About 10% of patients received treatment in a few counties, while in most the figure was even smaller. No correlation was found between sales of IFNB and numbers of neurologists in the respective counties. Patients should receive treatment according to national medical guidelines, regardless of place of residence.