Karl Vass Pages 4513 - 4517 ( 5 )
Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system such as myasthenia gravis, inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies, multiple sclerosis and others are still not curable. Yet the introduction of modern immune therapies could significantly improve the prospects of many patients affected by these disorders. In addition to steroids and immunosuppression i.v. immunoglobulins are used for treatment of myasthenia gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Interferons, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab and fingolimod are applied in multiple sclerosis. The ever-improving efficacy of the drugs has to be balanced against the increasing risk of possible severe adverse effects.
Nervous system, autoimmune disease, myasthenia gravis, inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multiple sclerosis, interferon, glatiramerazetat, natalizumab, fingolimod, drugs.
Medizinische Universitat Wien, Klinik fur Neurologie, Wahringer Gurtel 18-20, 1090 Wien, Austria.