title: The efficacy of azathioprine in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
abstract: We randomized 59 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis to receive azathioprine (AZA) 3.0 mg/kg daily or placebo in a double-masked therapeutic trial. Analysis of data for predetermined primary outcome measures demonstrated a significant difference favoring AZA for observed mean exacerbation rate after 2 years of therapy and time to deterioration in both Ambulation Index and Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale score. This study confirms a modest therapeutic benefit for azathioprine previously reported by other investigators.
authors.affiliation: Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195-5244.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Goodkin
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Bailly
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Teetzen
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hertsgaard
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Beatty
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D012008:Recurrence; D016019:Survival Analysis
chemical_list: D001379:Azathioprine