title: [Pentoxifylline: is it useful in multiple sclerosis?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor which has been found in studies in vitro to inhibit the production of Th-1 cytokines. It has been postulated that it might be used as a possible coadjuvant treatment for interferon in patients with multiple sclerosis. This would also reduce the potential side effects of interferon. OBJECTIVE. To show the efficacy of PTX in reducing the side effects of interferon, and in the functional improvement of these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied 18 patients with remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis over a period of 18 months; nine patients were given PTX and interferon 800 mg/day simultaneously, and nine patients were treated with interferon alone. The clinical condition was evaluated every three months using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Neurological Score (NRS) scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found no statistical improvement in the clinical course of EDSS and NRS in either group of patients after treatment for 18 months. The patients treated with PTX have fewer secondary effects due to interferon (fever and myalgia) during the first three months, but these differences between the groups subsequently disappear. In two patients PTX caused transient gastralgias and nauseas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PTX may be useful as a coadjuvant drug with interferon during the first three months of treatment since some of the side effects of interferon may thus be reduced. However, there seems no justification for using PTX for a longer period since there is no functional improvement.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neurología; Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15705, España. meprieto@usc.es
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Prieto
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dapena
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lema
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ares
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cacabelos
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010431:Pentoxifylline