Treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

Disease-modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis emerged during the last few years, concerning mainly relapsing-remitting forms of the disease. They are essentially represented by beta -interferons. beta -interferons reduce relapse rate, achieving about 30 p. cent, and have an effect on brain lesi ons detected on MRI. They are indicated for use in ambulatory patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis characterized by at least 2 attacks of neurological dysfunction over the preceding 2 (or 3)-year period, Quest ions and controversies still remain concerning dose-response effect, early initiation and duration of treatment. Copolymer, which has a different mechanism of action, also decreases freque ncy of relapses, and the magnitude of the clinical effect is similar to bet a -interferon. Copolymer is indicated for use in patients with relapsing-re mitting multiple sclerosis, having either an intolerance or a contra-indica tion to beta -interferon.