No evidence for an effect on brain atrophy rate of atorvastatin add-on to interferon β1b therapy in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (the ARIANNA study):

Background:A previous phase 2 trial has suggested that statins might delay brain atrophy in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.Objectives:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin add-on therapy on cerebral atrophy in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.Methods:This randomised, placebo-controlled study compared atorvastatin 40 mg or placebo add-on therapy to interferon β1b for 24 months. Brain magnetic resonance imaging, multiple sclerosis functional composite score, Rao neuropsychological battery and expanded disability status scale were evaluated over 24 months.Results:A total of 154 patients were randomly assigned, 75 in the atorvastatin and 79 in the placebo arms, with a comparable drop-out rate (overall 23.4%). Brain atrophy over 2 years was not different in the two arms (−0.38% and −0.32% for the atorvastatin and placebo groups, respectively). Relapse rate, expanded disability status scale, multiple sclerosis functional composite score or cognitive changes were ...