title: [Treatment of remitting forms of multiple sclerosis].
abstract: Disease-modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis emerged during the last few years, concerning mainly relapsing-remitting forms of the disease. They are essentially represented by beta-interferons. beta-interferons reduce relapse rate, achieving about 30 p. cent, and have an effect on brain lesions detected on MRI. They are indicated for use in ambulatory patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis characterized by at least 2 attacks of neurological dysfunction over the preceding 2 (or 3)-year period. Questions and controversies still remain concerning dose-response effect, early initiation and duration of treatment. Copolymer, which has a different mechanism of action, also decreases frequency of relapses, and the magnitude of the clinical effect is similar to beta-interferon. Copolymer is indicated for use in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, having either an intolerance or a contra-indication to beta-interferon.
authors.affiliation: Fédération de Neurologie, INSERM U-495, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris. catherine.lubetzki@psl.ap-hop-paris.fr
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lubetzki
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta
vernacular_title: Traitement des formes rémittentes de sclérose en plaques.