title: Drug therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating condition characterized by progressive muscle wasting, inanition, respiratory failure, and death within approximately 2 to 5 years of onset. ALS is among the most common neuromuscular conditions, with an overall prevalence in the world of approximately 5 to 7 cases/100,000 population. Epidemiologic studies have identified some potential risk factors for developing ALS, including a high-fat, low-fiber diet; cigarette smoking; slimness and athleticism; and living in urban areas. Between 5% and 10% of ALS is genetic, with up to 11 genetic loci identified. Although understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease has advanced over the past 60 years, scant progress has been made regarding effective treatment. The authors review the current understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS and approaches to treating the disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. jdistad@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: B Jane
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Distad
authors.forename: Gregg D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Meekins
authors.forename: Lee L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Liou
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: Gregory T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents