Fluctuation of Plasma Cortisol Levels in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

SummaryUsing radioimmunoassay, the levels of plasma cortisol of 23 patients with multiple sclerosis and 10 control subjects were determined at three or more times over a one-year period. The status of the disease was ascertained by neurological examination at the same time. Twelve of the patients were considered stable because they showed no changes in their disease status during the year. The remaining 11 patients were designated active since each had one or more relapses. The levels of cortisol of the control and stable groups remained relatively constant during the one-year period, but the levels of the active group fluctuated significantly more than either of the other two groups. Furthermore the active patients who had more than one episode had the greatest fluctuation in their cortisol levels. The fluctuations could indicate some endocrinologie al aberration in patients with active multiple sclerosis or may be secondary to the influence of the disease.