THE EFFECT OF INOSIPLEX IN SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS - A CLINICAL AND LABORATORY STUDY

The immunomodulatory action of inosiplex, a drug frequently used in su bacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), varies according to its dose and the subjects' immune status. In order to assess its effect in chi ldren and adolescents with SSPE, inosiplex (25-50 mg/kg/day) was given to 9 patients aged 7-17 years. Their clinical and immunologic status was evaluated before and after 2 months' treatment. Lymphocyte mitogen ic response decreased in 6 cases. These patients were clinically stabl e or improving during this period. Changes in cytotoxicity (increased in 5/6 patients) and suppressor cell function (increased in 4/8 and de creased in 4/8) were not significant nor associated with any particula r clinical course. Our results suggest that inosiplex at this dose is more likely to suppress lymphocyte proliferation in SSPE and this is n ot due to advancing disease. Longer follow-up of clinical and laborato ry findings seems to be indicated in therapeutic trials in SSPE.