[Changes in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis during intrathecal...

Changes were observed in the cerebrospinal fluid in SSPE cases during administration of beta-interferon 1 million units in 3.3 ml of normal saline intrathecally every second day for one month. During and after the treatment the cell count rose to a mean value of 277/mm3, with prevalence of monocytes initially and then lymphocytes. The total protein level increased by a mean threefold value, with a particular increase in the gamma-globulin and IgG fractions. In control investigations 3-10 months after completion of treatment the cell count became normal and the total protein level was slightly above the normal one, while the electrophoretically demonstrated changes regressed. The changes in the cerebrospinal fluid during intrathecal administration of beta-interferon are due probably to a non-specific irritative action of the drug on the reticulo-histiocytic system of the leptomeninx and the effect of interferon on the immune system.