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Patient-reported adverse effects of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone treatment: a prospective web-based

Peter Joseph Jongen1,2, Ioanna Stavrakaki3, Bernard Voet4

  • 1Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands. p.j.h.jongen@rug.nl.

Journal of Neurology
|June 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) frequently causes adverse effects (AEs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with many AEs being severe and impacting daily activities. Patients with severe MS or disability experience more frequent and severe AEs.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) is a common treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations.
  • Understanding the adverse effects (AEs) of IVMP is crucial for patient management and treatment optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the frequency, severity, and impact on activities of daily living (ADL) of AEs associated with high-dose IVMP in MS patients.
  • To identify patient subgroups who may be at higher risk for experiencing severe AEs.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, multi-center observational study.
  • Online self-report questionnaires administered at baseline, during, and after IVMP treatment.
  • Inclusion of 85 relapsing-remitting MS patients experiencing a relapse.

Main Results:

  • The majority of patients (96.6%) reported at least one AE, with a median of 4 AEs per patient.
  • Most frequent AEs included taste changes (61%), facial flushing (61%), and stomach pain (53%).
  • 34.3% of AEs were severe, and 37.9% impacted ADL. Patients with high disease impact or disability reported more frequent and severe AEs, particularly CNS-related ones.

Conclusions:

  • High-dose IVMP treatment in MS patients invariably leads to AEs, with a significant proportion being severe and affecting daily life.
  • Patients with higher disease impact or disability are more susceptible to experiencing a greater number and severity of AEs.
  • Risk stratification and patient counseling regarding potential AEs are essential for effective IVMP therapy in MS.
Keywords:
Adverse effectHigh doseMethylprednisoloneMultiple sclerosisPatient-reportedSide effect

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