Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

10.3K

A randomized clinical trial of oral versus intravenous methylprednisolone for relapse of MS

C Ramo-Tello1, L Grau-López, M Tintoré

  • 1Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Spain.

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|October 23, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Oral methylprednisolone (oMP) is as effective as intravenous methylprednisolone (ivMP) for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. Both treatments showed similar improvements in disability scores and MRI lesions, with comparable safety profiles.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Steroid therapy is a cornerstone for managing multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, yet optimal administration routes, dosages, and frequencies remain subjects of investigation.
  • High-dose corticosteroids are frequently used, but the comparative efficacy and safety of oral versus intravenous routes require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical and radiologic efficacy, tolerability, and safety of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (ivMP) versus oral methylprednisolone (oMP) in patients experiencing MS relapses.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, noninferiority, multicenter trial randomized 49 patients with recent moderate to severe MS relapses to receive either ivMP or oMP.
  • Clinical efficacy was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at baseline and weeks 1, 4, and 12.
  • Radiologic efficacy was evaluated via brain MRI, focusing on T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesions and T2 lesions at weeks 1 and 4.

Main Results:

  • The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating noninferiority of oMP compared to ivMP in EDSS improvement at four weeks.
  • No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the number or volume of gadolinium-enhancing lesions or the count of new/enlarged T2 lesions.
  • Methylprednisolone, regardless of administration route, was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.

Conclusions:

  • Oral methylprednisolone (oMP) is a non-inferior alternative to intravenous methylprednisolone (ivMP) for treating multiple sclerosis relapses.
  • Both administration routes demonstrate comparable efficacy in improving clinical disability and reducing inflammatory MRI lesions.
  • The findings support the use of oral methylprednisolone as an equally safe and well-tolerated option for MS relapse management.
Keywords:
Methylprednisolonemultiple sclerosisrelapses

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research08:33

Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research

Published on: January 5, 2024

2.0K

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...
703
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
32
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions01:24

Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions

Intermittent intravenous (IV) infusion is a method of drug administration where medications are delivered over short infusion periods followed by intervals of no drug delivery. This approach helps to prevent sustained high drug concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with prolonged exposure. Unlike continuous infusion, steady-state concentrations may not be achieved during a single dosing cycle but can be reached through repeated...
429
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections01:21

Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections

Calculating drug dosage and accumulation in multiple-dose regimens is crucial for achieving therapeutic efficacy while avoiding toxicity. This involves determining the plasma drug concentrations over time to optimize dosing schedules. The principle of superposition is fundamental in this process, allowing for the prediction of drug concentration in plasma following multiple doses based on single-dose data.The principle of superposition asserts that the plasma concentration-time curves from...
532
Clinical Trials: Overview01:11

Clinical Trials: Overview

Clinical development focuses on how the drug will interact with the human body and encompasses four key phases of clinical trials, each serving a specific purpose in assessing the safety and effectiveness of new drugs. These phases overlap and build upon one another. Phase I involves a small group of healthy volunteers (typically 20-80 individuals) or, in cases where significant toxicity is expected, patients with the targeted disease, such as cancer or AIDS. The volunteers are tested for...
4.7K
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...
780