Long-term effect of ACTH treatment of relapse in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

A controlled, randomized study of the long-term effects of ACTH-treatment (100 units intramuscular, tapered over 12 weeks) of acute relapse in 29 MS patients was performed. Follow-up lasted one year. In some Kurtzke Functional System, the Ambulation Index and the Kurtzke Incapacity Scale a transient greater improvement in the ACTH-treated patients was observed. These superior results in the ACTH group were no longer present at 6 months. Significantly more side-effects were reported in the ACTH-group. After treatment with ACTH a higher, though not statistically significant, relapse rate in the following months was noticed.