[Treatment of relapses of multiple sclerosis (a review)].

The most common clinical type of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting up to 85% of patients living with this disease, is relapsing remitting(RRMS). Relapses are associated with significant functional impairment and decreased quality of life. Residual symptoms after MS relapses may persist and lead to sustained disability. Adequate management of MS relapses may help to shorten and lessen the symptoms and disability associated with their course. Systemic corticosteroids and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) have broad regulatory approval and remain the most established and validated treatment options for MS relapses. Recently, the direct anti-inflammatory effects and immunomodulatory activity of ACTH have been shown. Algorithms of using these medications for MS relapse treatment, data on plasmapheresis and perspectives of other therapeutic methods are reviewed.