Reduced sick leave in multiple sclerosis after one year of natalizumab treatment. A prospective ad hoc analysis of the TYNERGY trial

Abstract

Background: In a retrospective study, we have previously shown that work ability was improved after the initiationof natalizumab treatment in relapsingremitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In another prospective trial (TYNERGY) theeffect on MS-related fatigue was evaluated after 12 months of treatment with natalizumab. A comprehensive Capacityfor Work Questionnaire (CWQ) was used to collect data regarding number of working hours and sickness absence. Thepredefined intention-to-treat analysis regarding work ability did not, however, show significant results.Objectives: The objective of this paper is to assess the amount of sick leave in RRMS before and after one year ofnatalizumab treatment and correlate it to fatigue and walking ability.Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of the complete data from the CWQ used in the TYNERGY trial.Results: MS patients receiving sickness benefit before start of treatment reduced their sickness benefit by an absolutechange of 33% after one year of natalizumab treatment. Younger age and improvement of walking ability correlatedsignificantly with reduction of sick leave.Conclusions: This ad-hoc analysis of prospectively collected data supported our previous retrospective study and thusindicates a positive relationship between natalizumab treatment and improvement in work ability. © The Author(s) 2013.