They are thought to represent areas of axonal loss and have been shown to correlate with disability. They may have a useful role in monitoring disease progression. Another method of detecting axonal loss has been developed to determine spinal cord atrophy. N Losseff reported a refined technique for spinal cord MRI, utilising a semi-automated outlining procedure. There was a clear correlation between cord area and disability in the group of 25 patients.
Interest remains strong in the many therapeutic agents currently under investigation.
K Johnson and J Cohen reported separately on Copolymer 1. J Whitaker, L Jacobs and C Fieschi separately reported their groups' experience of Interferon beta. E Millefiorini and G Edan separately reported their groups' experience of Mitoxantrone. Combined immunotherapy was discussed by H Panitch. Multicentre trials require reliable measures of disease progress.