A critique of steroid trials in multiple sclerosis.

A review has been performed of the trials of steroids in MS published between 1958 and 1970. None of the trials concerned with the long-term treatment of the disease, whether with ACTH or oral steroids, revealed any benefit. Some advantage of steroids over placebo in accelerating the recovery of acute exacerbations can be claimed, though in no study has the gain been substantial.