51 msfocusmagazine.org pregnancy, poorly controlled psychiatric disorders, peptic ulcer, history of steroid intolerance, or concomitant use of warfarin sodium. According to Dr. Thrower, a common question related to treatment with cortico- steroids, has to do with long-term, chronic and usually monthly treatment. “Because corticosteroids make patients feel better, some patients want to use them long-term.” Dr. Thrower further explained that corticosteroids therapy should never be considered for long- term, chronic use because there is no benefit, but a lot of risks (i.e., adverse reactions). Corticosteroids are contraindicated in some patients such as those having brittle di- abetes or severe osteoporosis. In addition, high-dose corticosteroids are only effective in about 75 percent of patients. Alternatives to corticosteroids, such as ACTH gel, should be considered for patients who do not respond or who are not considered viable candidates for corticosteroid therapy. Studies have shown that plasmapheresis is effective in about 40 percent of patients who have previously failed high-dose, intravenously-administered corticosteroid therapy. This procedure, also called plasma exchange, involves removing red blood cells and other components from the patient’s blood, exchanging the plasma with donor plasma oralbumin solution, and then restoring the patient’s other blood components. Numerous clinical trials have also shown that intravenous immune globulin, also known as IVIg, reduces the intensity and duration of acute exacerbations.This product is given daily forfive days. It is dosed byweight. Interestingly, intravenous immune globulin may be particularly effective in preventing relapses in the immediate post-partum period. This is particularly useful because women are at high-risk for experiencing relapses in the immediate post-partum period. Food to Fight MS Order a Copy of Our New Nutrition Booklet MS Focus is proud to announce Food to Fight MS, our completely rewritten and revised booklet on diet and multiple sclerosis. This new publication puts the focus on how food affects your MS. It addresses why diet matters, nutrition basics, and how to make dietary changes successfully. The booklet will introduce you to four major diet plans: Swank, McDougall, Wahls, and Mediterranean. By comparingthem,thebookletguidesyouthroughthesevarious options and helps you learn to address your dietary needs. You can order a free copy of the book by calling our offices or emailing support@msfocus.org.