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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
26:48

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: July 4, 2007

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a review and an extended report of five patients with different immune

Jelle L Epker1, Paula van Biezen, Paul L A van Daele

  • 1Erasmus Medical Centre, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The Netherlands. j.epker@erasmusmc.nl

European Journal of Internal Medicine
|April 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a brain infection caused by the JC-virus, affecting immunocompromised individuals. Current treatments like cidofovir show limited efficacy, but one patient improved with leflunomide and reduced immunosuppression.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, opportunistic brain infection caused by the JC-virus.
  • PML affects individuals with compromised cellular or humoral immunity, including those with HIV/AIDS and other immunosuppressive conditions.

Observation:

  • This study reports on five patients diagnosed with PML.
  • Presenting symptoms of PML can be mistaken for the progression of the underlying disease.
  • Treatment outcomes for PML remain generally poor across various therapeutic strategies.

Findings:

  • Cidofovir treatment was ineffective for PML in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in this series.
  • Experimental therapy with leflunomide, combined with tapering of immunosuppressive medication, altered the natural course of PML in one patient.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for increased clinician awareness of PML and its varied presentations.
  • Suggests potential for novel therapeutic approaches, such as leflunomide, in managing PML.
  • Underscores the poor prognosis associated with current PML treatments, necessitating further research.

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