Effectiveness of azathioprine treatment in multiple sclerosis.
As the effectiveness of continuous azathioprine therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still controversial, we have conducted a prospective trial of the drug (2 mg/kg daily for at least 2 years) in patients with clinically definite MS, ie with remitting, remitting-progressive and progressive MS. At the end of an average 3-year follow-up 65% of the 40 patients with remitting-progressive had the same EDSS score as they had to start with. This was observed mainly in patients with longstanding MS and a high baseline EDSS. Of the 22 patients with a remitting course 77% showed no clinical deterioration and the annual relapse rate declined, although not significantly. In only one case did the remitting disease become remitting-progressive. Azathioprine would seem to have some efficacy in delaying the progression of remitting MS.
Fratiglioni
L
L
Clinica Neurologica Ia, Università degli Studi di Firenze.
Siracusa
G F
GF
Amato
M P
MP
Sità
D
D
Amaducci
L
L
D000328:Adult; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D001379:Azathioprine