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Immunosuppressive treatment of multiple sclerosis
1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Arizona.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Immunosuppressive therapies are explored for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. Corticosteroids and adrenocorticotropic hormone are common for relapsing MS, while cyclophosphamide and azathioprine show promise for progressive MS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is widely considered an immunologic disease.
- This understanding supports the use of immunosuppressive therapy for MS management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current immunosuppressive treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis.
- To discuss agents used in exacerbating-remitting and chronic progressive MS.
- To suggest an approach to immunosuppressive therapy for chronic progressive MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on immunosuppressive agents for multiple sclerosis.
- Focus on corticosteroids, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cyclophosphamide, and azathioprine.
- Inclusion of other agents under investigation for MS treatment.
Main Results:
- Corticosteroids and adrenocorticotropic hormone are standard for relapsing-remitting MS.
- High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone is increasingly favored.
- Cyclophosphamide and azathioprine have shown promise in chronic progressive MS.
- Several other immunosuppressive agents are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- No definitive guidelines exist for treating chronic progressive MS.
- An approach to immunosuppressive therapy is proposed.
- Immunosuppressive treatment remains a key area of research for MS.