Related Experiment Videos

Efficacy of high dose steroid therapy in children with severe acute transverse myelitis

P Defresne1, L Meyer, M Tardieu

  • 1Service de Neurologie, Département de Pédiatrie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium. pierre.defresne@freebel.net

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|July 19, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) significantly improved walking ability and full recovery in children with acute transverse myelopathy. This treatment showed benefits without increasing complication rates compared to historical controls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Acute transverse myelopathy lacks proven effective treatments.
  • Severe cases in children present significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in treating severe acute transverse myelopathy in children.
  • To compare outcomes and complications with historical data.

Main Methods:

  • A multicentre controlled study involving 12 children with severe acute transverse myelopathy.
  • Treatment group received IVMP; comparison with a historical cohort of 17 patients.

Main Results:

  • IVMP significantly increased the proportion of patients walking independently at 1 month.
  • A higher proportion of patients achieved full recovery at 1 year with IVMP treatment.
  • No significant difference in complication frequency was observed between groups.

Conclusions:

  • IVMP is an effective treatment for improving functional outcomes in pediatric acute transverse myelopathy.
  • The treatment demonstrates a favorable safety profile regarding complications.
  • Further research may support IVMP as a standard of care for this condition.

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.