Levamisole in multiple sclerosis; with special reference to immunological parameters. A pilot study.

Nineteen patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been given one course of levamisole therapy, and 16 patients two courses of levamisole treatment in daily dosages of 100--150 mg over two periods lasting from 1 month to 22 weeks each. Clinical effect was evaluated using Kurtzke's disability status scale. Immediate clinical evaluation showed that 15 patints remained unchanged, two improved and two became worse. Follow-up revealed after 4--14 months that another four patients deteriorated and none improved. Altogether 10 patients developed 13 relapses. During this brief therapy, no convincing conclusions may be drawn regarding an influence upon the course of the disease, although there is the suggestion that levamisole was not beneficial in MS patients. There was no statistically significant effect of levamisole on peripheral blood lymphocyte count, lymphocyte stimulation tests, leucocyte migration inhibition tests, short and long incubation E-rosette forming cells and serum IgA, IgG or IgM levels. A group of MS patients showed after 1 month of levamisole treatment either short-lasting restored or potentiated skin hypersensitivity to bacterial and fungal antigens (P less than 0.05).