[Functional status of the adrenal cortex in patients with multiple sclerosis]

The spectrum of daily urine C21-corticosteroids was examined in 50 patients by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel. There were 28 men and 22 women aged 16--50 years with a disease standing from 1 to 26 years. Twenty-two healthy persons of the same age formed the control group. Appropriate indices were calculated to have a deeper insight into adrenocortical function. The dependence of gluco- and promineralocorticoid activity and of corticosteroid biosynthesis and metabolism on the disease course and acuity was revealed. The data obtained made it possible to elaborate the most rational treatment tactics in patients with disseminated sclerosis and to define the opportunities of glucocorticoid use taking into consideration the adrenocortical response to the pathological process.