Long-term effect of ACTH treatment of relapse in multiple sclerosis

A controlled, randomized study of the long‐term effects of ACTH‐treatment (100 units intramuscular, tapered over 12 weeks) of acute relapse in 29 MS patients was performed. Follow‐up lasted one year. In some Kurtzke Functional System, the Ambulation Index and the Kurtzke Incapacity Scale a transient greater improvement in the ACTH‐treated patients was observed. These superior results in the ACTH group were no longer present at 6 months. Significantly more side‐effects were reported in the ACTH‐group. After treatment with ACTH a higher, though not statistically significant, relapse rate in the following months was noticed.