Immunosuppressive treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Acta Neurol Scand. 1990 Aug;82(2):132-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1990.tb01602.x.

Abstract

Documented treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not available. Several studies have suggested an immunological etiology and an effect on the course of disease, when ALS-patients were treated with immunosuppressants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of immunosuppressive therapy in ALS-patients comparing the course of disease in treated patients and in historic controls with ALS; 21 patients were included in the study, 17 men and 4 women. Median age at admission was 54 years for men and 61 years for women. 5 had progressive bulbar palsy, 7 both upper and lower motor neuron affections and 9 progressive muscular atrophy. Patients were treated with prednisolone and azathioprine for 1 year and examined regularly; 12 were treated and followed for more than a year. No definite difference between survival in treated patients and their controls was found.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Azathioprine / administration & dosage
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Prednisolone
  • Azathioprine
  • Methylprednisolone