T Counihan1, N Venna, D Craven, T D Sabin. 1. , Neurology Research, Warren 408, Massachusetts General Hospital, Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of recombinant interferon alpha in the treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: Open label, uncontrolled study. SETTING: Neurological unit and clinical AIDS program, Boston City Hospital, Boston, MA. PATIENTS: Four consecutive AIDS patients with pathologically confirmed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. INTERVENTION: Each patient received alpha interferon for 4-12 weeks in a dose of 5-10 million units daily, administered subcutaneously. In addition, two of the four were taking acyclovir 2400 mg/day orally over the same period. RESULTS: None of the patients showed any clinical response to the therapy; the mean survival was 14 weeks. No adverse effects of the treatment were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Despite anecdotal evidence that alpha interferon is effective in the treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalo pathy in non-AIDS patients, the experience of these patients suggests that the drug is of no benefit in AIDS-related PML.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of recombinant interferon alpha in the treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: Open label, uncontrolled study. SETTING: Neurological unit and clinical AIDS program, Boston City Hospital, Boston, MA. PATIENTS: Four consecutive AIDSpatients with pathologically confirmed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. INTERVENTION: Each patient received alpha interferon for 4-12 weeks in a dose of 5-10 million units daily, administered subcutaneously. In addition, two of the four were taking acyclovir 2400 mg/day orally over the same period. RESULTS: None of the patients showed any clinical response to the therapy; the mean survival was 14 weeks. No adverse effects of the treatment were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Despite anecdotal evidence that alpha interferon is effective in the treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalo pathy in non-AIDSpatients, the experience of these patients suggests that the drug is of no benefit in AIDS-related PML.