title: Combined immunoglobulin and azathioprine in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: In an attempt to prevent exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, immunoglobulin therapy was combined with azathioprine (AZA). Intravenous immunoglobulin (i.v.IG) 2 g/kg was given in divided doses over 3 consecutive days followed by monthly booster doses (0.2 g/kg) for 3 years to 38 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). In the 34 patients who completed the trial, the relapse rate decreased (from 1.7 relapses per year to 0 during the 3-year trial period). The Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale decreased from 3.4 +/- 0.72 to 3.0 +/- 0.70. The results suggest that combined i.v.IG and AZA suppress the ongoing pathologic process in relapsing-remitting MS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Mehr Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kalanie
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Tabatabai
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000009:adverse effects; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000628:therapy*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine