|
You are visitor |
| FILE | CH | CONTENTS | PAGE |
| (09-01) | Preface | vi |
|
| Foreword | vii |
||
| Introduction | IX_-_XI |
||
| 1 | Historical Notes | 5_-__7 |
|
| 2 | Clinical Features | 9_-_11 |
|
| 3 | About Measles | 13_-_16 |
|
| (09-02) | 3 | About Measles | |
| 4 | Mild Or Benign MS | 19_-_22 |
|
| 5 | MS Distribution | ||
| Worldwide | 25_-_28 |
||
| 6 | DeMyelination & | ||
| Related Diseases | 31_-_36 |
||
| (09-03) | 7 | Treatment | 37_-_42 |
| 8 | Research On MS | 43_-_47 |
|
| (09-04) | 9 | Interferon | 51_-_54 |
| 10 | Epilogue | 55_-_63 |
(09-04) |
|
ch 10 It appears that Multiple Sclerosis is exactly what the name implies: a disease of many scars causally related to common Virus infections occurring most often in childhood. MS is
complex because the Brain is very complex, made up of many essential and vital organs. Common childhood diseases are caused by different Viruses, many of which may cause inflammation of the Brain and Spinal Cord as a complication or aftereffect. This complicating disease is called Acute EncephaloMyelitis. The term might be applied to the acute form of MS. When remissions and exacerbations occur the disease is diagnosed as MS. The Viruses of common childhood diseases in
particular are known to cause Acute EncephaloMyelitis. The changes in the Brain cells are similar to those found in the chronic form of scarred or DeMyelinated areas in the Brain designated as plaques. A final definition of MS could be
multiple scars from previous Acute EncephaloMyelitis. p 56 The symptoms and signs often begin with inflammation of the Optic Nerve or portions of the body involving half of the limbs, one arm or one leg or all four limbs. When the Optic Nerve is inflamed and the Spinal Cord also becomes inflamed the disease is designated NeuroMyelitis Optica. This is a form of Acute EncephaloMyelitis which is very acute and severe with a high mortality. It occurs in its most acute form in children and complete survival rarely occurs or the process leads to death within a few months or a year. The diagnosis of Acute EncephaloMyelitis is based on scattered signs of involvement of the Nervous System very similar to those seen in the chronic form of MS. EncephaloMyelitis rarely follows a vaccination with live Virus; it may follow infectious diseases such as Chicken Pox, Rubella or the common Herpes Virus infection often referred
to as a cold sore or fever blister proved to be caused by the Herpes Virus. Other common childhood diseases such as colds or Mumps on occasion cause Encephalitis but don't cause serious DeMyelination as is known to be associated with Rubella or Measles Virus. The latter cause inflammation of the Brain, years after childhood Measles is diagnosed Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE). The chronic form of Measles Encephalitis is occasionally referred to as Disseminating or Multiple Sclerosis. p 59
Measles is worldwide and like MS and Poliomyelitis is recognized as involving the Nervous System more commonly in the colder regions of the world. Measles Encephalitis, the most serious form of the disease, is rare in Africa and tropical
climates. The Measles and Polio Viruses are grouped together by Virologists. They are both found in the nose and throat and in the bowels of humans. The changes caused by these Viruses are very distinct and different. Paralysis in Poliomyelitis is mainly of the Motor Nerves to the legs and arms. Weakness and paralysis in Measles Encephalitis is manifest by involvement of the Brain and Spinal Cord. Optic Neuritis is common in association with Measles Encephalitis and many patients with Optic Neuritis eventually develop the signs of MS. In the northern hemisphere, high risk regions sre found in Europe or in places colonized by the Europeans. Recent research in Multiple Sclerosis has been concerned with Genetic factors, and certain HL-A antigens are found increased in patients with MS. Patients with high Measles AntiBodies carry HLA-3,7 and/or 18, suggesting that Genetic
factors contribute to the control of AntiBody production. p 60
Geneticists find that LD7A is a Genetic determinant which occurs in 60 - 70% of patients with Multiple Sclerosis. It is known that Measles AntiBodies tend to be higher in MS patients than in controls. But persons who beaar HLA-3 have higher Measles AntiBodies Titers than those who do not, whether they have MS or not. It has been suggested by some investigators, that the occurrence of Measles late in
childhood might increase the likelihood of acquiring MS. Immunologists have been studying the results of Transfer Factor in patients with MS. A selective suppression of Measles Virus was present in some patients with MS, and it was this selective depression which prompted the investigation of transfer and the ability of cells in the body to react to the Measles Virus. Sixteen patients inoculated with Transfer Factor at weekly intervals exhibited an increase in their response to Measles Virus. The relationship between Measles AntiBodies and Oligoclonal Immune Globulin in Spinal Fluid of patients with MS recorded that Measles Virus AntiBodies occurred in the Serum and Spinal Fluid of more than 80% of patients with MS. In patients with SSPE the Immune Globulin represents an Oligoclonal response to a high level of AntiBody against the Measles Virus. Brain material from patients with Multiple Sclerosis has been studied and are similar to those occurring in cells proved to be infected by Measles Virus. Finally, what are some of the answers on the horizon for Multiple Sclerosis? Prospectives for earlier diagnostic procedures are bright, making possible earlier treatment
and stabilization of the scarring process in MS. The antibiotic era is making way for the AntiViral era. New AntiViral agents offer hopeful prospects for better control and prevention of the basic causes of MS. |
|
You are visitor |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
since July 25, 1998.