[Pharmacologic treatment of multiple sclerosis].

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is probably caused by many pathological factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic.

Development: When we consider the aetiology of MS, we have to take three basic factors into account: 1. Immunological factors: evidence of involvement of the immune system has been found in plasma, tissues and CSF; 2. Viral factors: epidemiological studies suggest that MS may be a result of contact with environmental factors during childhood or adolescence, and 3. Genetic factors although there is no evidence that MS is inherited directly, there is between 12 and 15 times more involvement of persons from affected families than from the general population. Regarding treatment, since this is a polysymptomatic disorder, the specialist should choose the most suitable drug or intervention in each case, according to the alterations which affect quality of life or the severity of the presenting symptom. Three pharmacological treatments are emphasized: steroids, immunomodulation and immunosuppression.

Conclusion: In this article we review the aetiology of MS and its pharmacological treatment.