Comparison of Bone Effects With Copaxone and Interferon in Multiple Sclerosis

The purpose of this study is to determine if certain drugs commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis have an effect on bone health.

There will be 60 female patients with MS at University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). They will be split into two groups: a Copaxone group and an Interferon (Avonex, Rebif, or Betaseron) group. Each group will be composed of 30 women matched for menopausal status. Each subject will be given a questionnaire assessing risk factors for low bone density. All patients will have a determination of an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), height and weight, medical history, and fracture history. All patients will undergo hip and spine dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and will have labs drawn to determine serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium, estradiol, bone-specific acetyl phosphatase, osteocalcin, and C-peptides.