Antilymphocyte globulin and adrenal steroids in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: short report based on seven cases

Abstract

A therapeutic trial of antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) combined with dexamethasone was carried out in 7 patients with chronic, relapsing multiple sclerosis. ALG was given intravenously in daily doses of 0.25-0.5 g on the weekdays over 1 to 2 months. Total doses of ALG ranged from 12.5 to 17.7 g. Follow-up made after 1 year showed that 2 had no deterioration and 2 became worse in "tolerant" group, and 2 showed no deterioration and 1 revealed fatal progression in "non-tolerant" group. The treatment proved to be toxic in 3 patients. This pilot study suggests that ALG enhances anti-inflammatory activity of adrenal steroids in some patients, but does not seem to change natural course of the disease.