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Short-term safety of pulse steroid therapy in multiple sclerosis relapses
Vahid Shaygannejad1, Fereshteh Ashtari, Mahsa Alinaghian
1Department of Neurology, Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Objective:
To determine the short-term safety of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone in acute attacks of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Method:
In a prospective study, we evaluated the patients with MS who received high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone for acute attacks. By repeated physical and laboratory examinations and history taking, patients were assessed for adverse effects that would be related to pulse therapy before, within, and 3 months after the treatment.
Results:
Sixty-four patients with definite MS with acute attack were enrolled in the study in which 46 (71.9%) were female. Fifty-eight patients (90.6%) developed minor adverse effects of which the most common were palpitation, flashing, dyspepsia, insomnia, and virulent taste. On the other hand, 12 patients (18.75%) developed major adverse effects, and the most common was sinus tachycardia. Six patients (9.3%) were without any adverse effects. There was a significant relationship between the dosage of methylprednisolone (3 or 5 g) and the occurrence of major adverse effects (P = 0.025).
Conclusion:
This study approved that high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone is a safe treatment in MS attacks and the short-term adverse effects were mostly minor and transient.
Insights
High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone is a safe short-term treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks. Most adverse effects were minor and temporary, with few major events observed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Acute attacks require effective and safe treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term safety of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone in patients experiencing acute MS attacks.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Inclusion of patients with definite MS experiencing acute attacks.
- Assessment of adverse effects through physical and laboratory examinations, and history taking, before, during, and 3 months post-treatment.
Main Results:
- 64 patients enrolled; 71.9% were female.
- 90.6% experienced minor adverse effects (e.g., palpitation, insomnia).
- 18.75% experienced major adverse effects, most commonly sinus tachycardia; a significant relationship was found between dosage (3 or 5g) and major adverse effects (P=0.025).
Conclusions:
- High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone is a safe treatment for acute MS attacks.
- Short-term adverse effects are predominantly minor and transient.
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