Pilot study with antilymphocyte globulin in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Twenty patients with multiple sclerosis, in whom treatment with azathioprine and steroids had not altered the progression of the disease, were given additional treatment with either antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) (seven patients), thoracic duct drainage (TDD) (five patients) or a combination of both (eight patients). Four of the seven patients treated with the addition of ALG showed remarkable improvement which has lasted little improvement. In the eight patients receiving both had severe allergic reactions to ALG which prevented adequate dosage. TDD alone was performed in patients sensitive to ALG. These five patients showed little improvement. In the eight patients receiving both ALG and TDD there was marked improvement in four patients which has again lasted several years. The main side effect of ALG therapy is allergic reactions. Major infections or tumour formation did not occur in any patients.