[P04.209] Omega-3 Fatty Acids Treatment in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Kjell-Morten Myhr, Sjur Reinertsen, Bergen, Norway, Antonie Giæver Beiske, Lørenskog, Norway, Harald Hovdal, Trondheim, Norway, Rune Midgard, Molde, Norway, Frøydis Dalene, Skien, Norway, Jan Schepel, Haugesund, Norway, Grete Kleveland, Lillehammer, Norway, Halfdan Kierulf, Oslo, Norway, Randi Eikeland, Arendal, Norway, Alla Bru, Stavanger, Norway, Olaf Henriksen, Bodø, Norway, Terje Kristensen,, Fredrikstad, Norway, Astrid Edland, Ingrid Bjørnå, Drammen, Norway , Søren Jacob Bakke, Oslo, Norway, Tom Pedersen, Tønsberg, Norway, Finn Lilleås, Bård Bjørnarå, Inge Christoffer Olsen, Rita Malmo Nilsen, Oslo, Norway, Kristian Bjerve, Trondheim, Norway

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). BACKGROUND: Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been reported to be beneficial for MS patients. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in RRMS. DESIGN/METHODS: A total of 92 RRMS patients were randomized for 6 months daily treatment with omega-3 fatty acids (Triomar) or placebo (corn oil) capsules. After 6 months, both groups received in addition interferon-beta (IFNB) 44 mcg sc (Rebif) thrice weekly for another 18 months. Monthly gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for 9 months and after 12 and 24 months. We recorded relapse rate, disability progression (Expanded Disability Status Scale - EDSS), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale - FSS), quality of life (QoL, SF-36), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) and safety. RESULTS: The cumulative number of enhancing MRI lesions during the first 6 months were similar in the omega-3 group compared to the placebo group (p=0.35). The number of new enhancing MRI lesions were significantly reduced (p<0.0001) after initiation of IFNB therapy, similar in both groups. No differences in number of relapses were detected after 6 months (p=0.54) and 24 months (p=0.72). Disability progression (1.0 EDSS point) after 6 months were recorded in 13% of the omega-3 patients compared to 10% of the placebo patients (p=0.74), and 30 % in both groups had progressed after 24 months. No differences were detected in fatigue, MSFC or QoL scores, and no safety concerns appeared. Serum analyzes of fatty acids showed a significant increase in omega-3 fatty acids (p<0.001) and a corresponding reduction in omega-6 fatty acids (p<0.001) in the omega-3 treated patients compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS/RELEVANCE: No beneficial effects on disease activity were detected from omega-3 fatty acids when compared to placebo (corn oil). IFNB reduced MRI disease activity as expected. Supported by: The Western Norway Regional Health Authority, The Norwegian MS Society, Pronova Biocare and Merck Serono.
Category - MS and Related Diseases - Clinical Science

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 3:00 PM

Poster Session IV: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Diseases: Drug Mechanisms I (3:00 PM-7:30 PM)