Effect of intrathecal purified protein derivative of tuberculin in multiple sclerosis.

In a preliminary report by Smith, Espir, Whitty, and Russell (1957) it was suggested that the intrathecal administration of purified protein derivative of tuberculin (P.P.D.) might be beneficial to patients with multiple sclerosis. It was also observed that apart from the immediate reaction no patient deteriorated who had experienced a definite response. These workers were unable to find evidence of any new lesions developing in patients who had been treated in this way although fluctuations were found in pre-existing symptoms. Attention was drawn to well-marked remissions and the change was noted from an expected fluctuating downhill course to moderate improvement. They, therefore, presented their preliminary report in the hope that others might expand this work.