MRI changes in multiple sclerosis following treatment with lofepramine andL-phenylalanine

As part of a large, randomized placebo-controlled trial of inpatients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a subsample of 15 underwent cerebral MRI at baseli ne and 6-months (eight on lofepramine and L-phenylalanine; seven on placebo ). Unlike the placebo group, the active group showed a significant reductio n in lesion number visible on T1-weighted scans (p<0.05). The lateral ventr icular volume increased, on average, by 1020mm(3) in the untreated group an d 600mm(3) in the treated group. In the treated patients the ventricular si ze change correlated with both change in gulick MS-related symptoms scale s cores (r(s) =0.71, p=0.07) and Gulick MS-related activities of daily living scale scores (r(2) = -0.83, p =0.02). It is concluded that treatment with lofepramine and L-phenylalanine is associated with significant MRI changes. NeuroReport 12:1821-1824 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.