Follow-up Study on Corticotrophin Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

The influence of corticotrophin (ACTH) and other drugs on the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis was analysed in 2 series comprising 180 patients. Among 92 patients treated with corticotrophin immediate improvement was observed in 70%, whereas among 88 controls the amelioration was found in 47%. The results of ACTH treatment were related to the stage of multiple sclerosis and to the duration of the illness and the duration of the last relapse. Better results of treatment were obtained in the management of acute exacerbations. The present study tends to prove that corticotrophin cannot really change the natural course of chronic multiple sclerosis.