Evidence
This page contains a snapshot of featured content which highlights evidence addressing key clinical questions including areas of uncertainty. Please see the main topic reference list for details of all sources underpinning this topic.
BMJ Best Practice evidence tables
Evidence tables provide easily navigated layers of evidence in the context of specific clinical questions, using GRADE and a BMJ Best Practice Effectiveness rating. Follow the links at the bottom of the table, which go to the related evidence score in the main topic text, providing additional context for the clinical question. Find out more about our evidence tables.
This table is a summary of the analysis reported in a Cochrane Clinical Answer that focuses on the above important clinical question.
Confidence in the evidence is moderate or low to moderate where GRADE has been performed and there may be no difference in effectiveness between the intervention and comparison for key outcomes.
Population: Adults with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis
Intervention: Interferon beta (1a or 1b)
Comparison: Glatiramer
| Outcome | Effectiveness (BMJ rating)? | Confidence in evidence (GRADE)? |
|---|---|---|
Number of participants with relapse: at 24 months ᵃ | No statistically significant difference | Moderate |
Number of participants with confirmed progression: at 24 months ᵃ | No statistically significant difference | Moderate |
Withdrawal due to adverse events (follow‐up: 24 months) | No statistically significant difference | Low |
Withdrawal due to serious adverse events | No statistically significant difference | GRADE assessment not performed for this outcome |
Relapse frequency: at 24 months | No statistically significant difference | GRADE assessment not performed for this outcome |
Relapse frequency: at 36 months | Favors comparison | GRADE assessment not performed for this outcome |
Mean number of active (new or enlarged) T2‐hyperintense lesions: at 24 months ᵇ ᶜ | No statistically significant difference | Low |
Mean change in total T2‐hyperintense lesion load: at 24 months ᶜ ᵈ | Favors intervention | Moderate |
Quality of life | - | None of the studies identified by the review assessed this outcome |
Note ᵃ There was also no statistically significant difference between treatment groups for this outcome at 36 months (GRADE assessment not performed). ᵇ There was a statistically significant difference favoring interferon beta at 6 months, but no statistically significant difference between treatment groups at 12 months. A GRADE assessment was not performed for these subgroups. ᶜ The Cochrane review which underpins this Cochrane Clinical Answer found similar results for T1 lesions. See the Cochrane systematic review for more details. ᵈ There was a statistically significant difference favoring interferon beta at 12 months, but no statistically significant difference between treatment groups at 36 months. A GRADE assessment was not performed for these subgroups.
This evidence table is related to the following section/s:
Cochrane Clinical Answers
Cochrane Clinical Answers (CCAs) provide a readable, digestible, clinically focused entry point to rigorous research from Cochrane systematic reviews. They are designed to be actionable and to inform decision making at the point of care and have been added to relevant sections of the main Best Practice text.
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