Oral high-dose atorvastatin treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent data from animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) and from a pilot study indicated a possible beneficial impact of statins on MS.

Methodology/principal findings

Safety, tolerability and effects on disease activity of atorvastatin given alone or in combination with interferon-beta (IFN-beta) were assessed in a phase II open-label baseline-to-treatment trial in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Patients with at least one gadolinium-enhancing lesion (CEL) at screening by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were eligible for the study. After a baseline period of 3 monthly MRI scans (months -2 to 0), patients followed a 9-month treatment period on 80 mg atorvastatin daily. The number of CEL in treatment months 6 to 9 compared to baseline served as the primary endpoin

SUBMITTER: Paul F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2276246 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature