Antilymphocyte globulin and adrenal steroids in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: short report based on seven cases.
A therapeutic trial of antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) combined with dexamethasone was carried out in 7 patients with chronic, relapsing multiple sclerosis. ALG was given intravenously in daily doses of 0.25-0.5 g on the weekdays over 1 to 2 months. Total doses of ALG ranged from 12.5 to 17.7 g. Follow-up made after 1 year showed that 2 had no deterioration and 2 became worse in "tolerant" group, and 2 showed no deterioration and 1 revealed fatal progression in "non-tolerant" group. The treatment proved to be toxic in 3 patients. This pilot study suggests that ALG enhances anti-inflammatory activity of adrenal steroids in some patients, but does not seem to change natural course of the disease.
D000328:Adult; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000276:immunology; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D003907:Dexamethasone