Intensive Immunosuppression in Patients With Disseminated Sclerosis: Clinical Response

    July 1975 in “ PubMed ”
    E M Lance, Michael Kremer, Jasmine Abbosh, Valerie E. Jones, S C Knight, P. B. Medawar
    Studysummary This study reported that intensive immunosuppression in multiple sclerosis patients significantly reduced relapse rates versus pre-treatment expectations, though some required ongoing treatment after tapering. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    The study investigated the effects of intensive immunosuppression on 14 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), using a combination of corticosteroids, Imuran (azathioprine), and antilymphocyte globulin (ALG). Patients, aged 19-58, showed varied improvement, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment. The study found a significant reduction in relapse rates compared to pre-treatment levels, although some patients experienced relapses after reducing medication. Side effects included hair loss, moon facies, weight gain, and dyspepsia, but the treatment was generally well-tolerated. The results suggested that intensive immunosuppression was a feasible and clinically acceptable approach for MS, warranting further investigation.
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