Clinical trials in multiple sclerosis.
In this past year, there has only been modest progress in the search for an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis and its complications, although a number of carefully designed trials are in progress. No treatment predictably slows the course of active disease. The marginal benefits previously claimed for azathioprine have been strengthened by a meta-analysis of previously published work. Methylprednisolone may have a minor role in the treatment of very severe, acute optic neuritis but prednisone use may predispose patients to recurrent optic neuritis. 4-Aminopyridine and 3,4-diaminopyridine may prove useful for the symptomatic treatment of some multiple sclerosis patients; pemoline may be an alternative to amantadine for the control of fatigue; and acetazolamide may be an alternative to carbamazepine and phenytoin for the treatment of painful tonic spasms.
Noseworthy
J H
JH
Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones