[The problem and value of therapy in multiple sclerosis]

Some fundamental problems of therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the difficulties in assessing the results of treatment are represented. Basing on a survey of several principles of therapy, the findings of own therapeutic trials using corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents (azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, antihumanlymphocyte globulin) are pointed out; in particular, the analysis of a longer period of the course of disease produced few favourable effects. In further therapeutic studies, i.e. plasmapheresis and immunoadsorption, a long lasting observation of the course is lacking; this likewise concerns the study on ultraviolet irradiation of blood. As to the aspects of a multi-stage pathogenesis of MS an appraisal of therapeutic conceptions and procedures is given; in critical evaluation their efficacy is little convincing.