Intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy in ankylosing spondylitis

For several years the medical treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has been NSAID because gold, penicillamine, antimalarials and steroids have been without efficacy. In 1981, Mintz et al reported that methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPPT) had an excellent effect in patients with AS. Seven patients with active AS and insufficient efficacy of NSAID for three months were treated with one gram methylprednisolone daily given intravenously for three successive days. Mobility and pain were recorded before, during, and after treatment. Significant pain relief and improvement of mobility of the spine for at least six weeks were clearly demonstrated (p less than 0.05). Finger to floor distance and chin manubrium distance improved significantly for at least six months (p less than 0.05). We conclude that intravenous MPPT is a useful treatment in patients with active AS when NSAID is insufficient.