One-year cyclophosphamide treatment combined with methylprednisolone improves cognitive dysfunction in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler. 2005 Jun;11(3):360-3. doi: 10.1191/1352458505ms1172sr.

Abstract

We conducted an evaluation of changes in cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients receiving monthly intravenously pulse of cyclophosphamide (700 mg/m2) with methylprednisolone (1g). Twenty-eight consecutive progressive MS patients (10 primary progressive, 18 secondary progressive MS) were evaluated before and after six and 12 months of treatment. The WAIS-R score, memory and executive functions were evaluated. Under treatment we found a significant improvement in global cognitive efficiency, encoding abilities, planning abilities and inhibition after six and 12 months. However, mechanisms of action of the positive effect of these anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive treatments on cognition remain unclear.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cognition / drug effects
  • Cognition Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / drug therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Methylprednisolone