title: Intrathecal interferon in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
abstract: Three patients at Stage II of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) were treated with semipurified alpha-interferon (IFN) using different combinations of intrathecal and intravenous routes: 1 x 10(6) IU of alpha-IFN were given every other day up to a total of 15 x 10(6) IU. Transient improvement of neurological symptoms and electroencephalogram were noted in all 3, while cognitive function slightly improved in 2 of them. Clinical benefits gradually disappeared 2 to 6 months after cessation of IFN. Intrathecal antibody production did not change substantially, but CSF Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratio appeared to increase. No significant side effects were observed, except for a mild meningeal inflammatory reaction after each intrathecal administration of IFN.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maimone
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Grimaldi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Incorpora
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Biondi
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sofia
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Mancuso
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Siciliano
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruscica
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pavone
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D013344:Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007370:Interferon Type I