TY - JOUR T1 - Interferon β-1a prevented the development of clinically definite multiple sclerosis after a first demyelinating event JF - Evidence Based Medicine JO - Evid Based Med SP - 78 LP - 78 DO - 10.1136/ebm.6.3.78 VL - 6 IS - 3 A2 - , Y1 - 2001/05/01 UR - http://ebm.bmj.com/content/6/3/78.abstract N2 - (2000) N Engl J Med 343, 898. Jacobs LD, Beck RW, Simon JH, et al,. and the CHAMPS Study Group. . Intramuscular interferon beta-1a therapy initiated during a first demyelinating event in multiple sclerosis. . . Sep 28;. :. –904..OpenUrlCrossRefPubMedWeb of Science
 
 QUESTION: In patients with a first confirmed demyelinating event, does interferon β-1a reduce the incidence of clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS)? Randomised {allocation concealed*}†, blinded (patients, clinicians, and outcome assessors),* placebo controlled trial with 3 years of follow up (Controlled High Risk Subject Avonex Multiple Sclerosis Prevention Study [CHAMPS]). An interim analysis was planned. 50 clinical centres in North America. 383 patients (mean age 33 y, 75% women, 86% white) who had a first acute clinical demyelinating event confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Inclusion criteria were age 18–50 years; involvement of optic nerve, spinal cord, brain stem, or cerebellum; ≥2 clinically silent brain lesions ≥3 mm in diameter; and symptom onset <14 days from corticosteroid treatment and <27 days from … ER -