Neurológia pre prax 6/2011

Immunosuppressive drugs in treating neurological diseases

Immunosuppressive drugs have been used in the practice for more than fifty years. In treating neurological autoimmune diseases, their role is irreplaceable. Azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, mitoxantrone, cyclosporin A and tacrolimus have been particularly used; clinical trials with cladribine and teriflunomide are under way. The paper deals with the mechanism of action, adverse events and therapeutic regimens of individual agents; also covered are the indications of immunosuppressive drugs in the most common autoimmune diseases. During treatment, it is always necessary to weigh the benefits against risks, monitor the patient carefully and prevent adverse events.

Keywords: immunosuppressive drugs, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, inflammatory polyneuropathies, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, myasthenia gravis.