This compact multiauthored volume provides essential information for anyone who is, or plans to become, involved in clinical trials in multiple sclerosis. In addition, it provides vital information for any neurologist interested in evaluating therapeutic claims for new therapies.
The historical perspective provided by George Ellison is clear, concise, and informative. The chapter on natural history by Dr Goodkin is outstanding, as is the chapter on assessment of outcome by Drs. D. Paty, E. Willoughby, and J. Whitaker.
While the chapter on design and statistical issues is well written, clearly states the requirements for planning studies, and discusses the major statistical issues, this reviewer disagrees strongly with one of their conclusions, namely that "admission to the trial should be restricted to those patients whose Kurtzke Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is 3.5 or less." This conclusion is justified if one accepts the EDSS as the only or principal basis for