Current status of multiple sclerosis therapy in Germany: a national survey

We conducted a semi-standardized enquiry concerning diagnostic, immunothera peutic and supportive care strategies for multiple sclerosis (RIS). A quest ionnaire was sent to all German neurological departments in December 1996, with 63% (n = 244) responding before Mg 1997. As might be expected, MS ther apy in Germany is not very standardized. Most clinics use intravenous stero ids for treating relapses, although with different dosing regimens. Neverth eless, oral steroids are also used. Interferon-beta and azathioprine are bo th used for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS at the same frequency. Only 33% of German neurological departments said that they used an immunomo dulating agent for chronic-progressive cases, indicating it in about 50% of cases. Azathioprine is the drug of first choice, followed by methotrexate. Regarding supportive care measures, the technique of intermittent self-cat heterization is widely under-represented. Despite the lack of conclusive ev idence from prospective studies for the value of azathioprine, it is still one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of relapsing-remittin g and chronic-progressive MS. There was no evidence of a consensus on treat ment standards for chronic-progressive disease courses. Eur J Neurol 6:35-3 8 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.