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) (7 patients), thoracic duct drainage (TDD) (5 patients) or a combination of both (8 patients). Four of 7 patients treated with the addition of ALG showed remarkable improvement which has lasted little improvement. In the 8 patients receiving both had severe allergic reactions to ALG which prevented adequate dosage. TDD alone was performed in patients sensitive to ALG. These 5 patients showed little improvement. In the 8 patients receiving both ALG and TDD there was marked improvement in 4 patients which has again lasted several years. The main side effect of ALG therapy is allergic reactions. Major infections or tumor formation did not occur in any patient.