Post-Authorization Observational Study to Evaluate Cognition and Fatigue in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) Patients Treated With Rebif®

Post-Authorization Observational Study to Evaluate Cognition and Fatigue in RRMS Patients Treated With Rebif

The study is planned to evaluate the cognitive functions in subjects with RRMS treated with interferon beta-1a, and its relationship to the fatigue and neurological dysfunction status.

Besides the motor and sensory dysfunctions, the progression of cognitive decline is a frequent manifestation of RRMS. Fatigue is another important symptom of MS, and can negatively affect subject's Quality of life (QoL) and socio-economic functioning, including the ability to work, independent of the direct effects of disability. This is a phase IV observational, non-interventional, prospective, multicentric study to evaluate cognition in RRMS subjects treated with Rebif and its relationship to the fatigue and neurological dysfunction status. The study plans to enroll 300 subjects, across 14 centres in Czech Republic, who will be prescribed with Rebif according to its summary of product characteristics (SmPC). Assessment of cognitive and fatigue status will be done at baseline and follow-up visits at Months 3, 6, 12, 24. Subjects will be selected using the convenience method following the non-probability sampling.

OBJECTIVES

Primary Objective:

• To assess changes of cognition [measured by Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)] in RRMS subjects treated with Rebif

Secondary Objectives:

• To assess changes of fatigue [measured by Fatigue Descriptive Scale (FDS)] in RRMS subjects treated with Rebif
• To assess a correlation between cognition, fatigue and neurological status in RRMS subjects treated with Rebif
• To assess a relationship between Rebif dosage [22 mcg vs 44 mcg thrice a week (tiw)] and cognition (PASAT)
• To assess a relationship between Rebif dosage (22 mcg vs 44 mcg tiw) and fatigue (FDS)
• To assess adherence to Rebif treatment
• To explore the use of antidepressive and antifatigue medicaments

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects diagnosed with RRMS
• Subjects eligible for treatment with Rebif as per SmPC, the Czech local guidelines and the actual Health insurance policy.
• Subjects 18-65 years of age
• Subjects with EDSS score < 4
• Subjects who are willing and able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Treatment with Rebif for more than 24 months prior the informed consent form has been obtained.
• Subjects with history of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon-β, or to any excipients
• Female subject who is pregnant or breast feeding and/or planning to become pregnant
• Subjects with current severe depression and/or suicidal ideation
• Any contraindication for Rebif therapy as per SmPC
• Subjects with severe disability and/or any neurologic or psychiatric condition that may interfere with test performance
• Prior treatment with interferon beta-1a i.m. or interferon beta-1b or glatiramer acetate.