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Pulsed methylprednisolone induces a reversible impairment of memory in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple
R L Oliveri1, G Sibilia, P Valentino
1Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine in Catanzaro, Italy.
Objective:
Chronic administration of corticosteroids has been reported to selectively impair explicit memory in systemic diseases without central nervous system involvement. Our aim was to verify that a short course of pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) administered for the treatment of a relapse impairs cognitive functions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and to determine whether this impairment is reversible.
Material And Methods:
Neuropsychological evaluations were made before the start of treatment, and 7 and 60 days after the end of treatment in 14 RRMS patients. The neuropsychological battery was also administered to 12 controls matched for age, sex and years of education.
Results:
RRMS patients performed worse than the controls at their baseline evaluation for a variety of neuropsychological tasks. IVMP administration induced a selective impairment of explicit memory which completely recovered 60 days after treatment.
Conclusions:
In RRMS patients, IVMP induces a selective and reversible impairment of explicit memory.
Insights
Pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) temporarily impairs explicit memory. Cognitive function fully recovers within 60 days after the short IVMP course.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corticosteroids can impair explicit memory in systemic diseases.
- The cognitive effects of pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a short IVMP course on cognitive functions in RRMS patients.
- To determine the reversibility of IVMP-induced cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Neuropsychological evaluations were conducted before and at 7 and 60 days post-IVMP treatment in 14 RRMS patients.
- A control group of 12 healthy individuals matched for age, sex, and education was included.
Main Results:
- RRMS patients exhibited baseline cognitive deficits compared to controls.
- IVMP administration resulted in a specific impairment of explicit memory.
- Full recovery of explicit memory function was observed 60 days after treatment completion.
Conclusions:
- Short-term pulsed IVMP treatment causes a selective and reversible impairment of explicit memory in RRMS patients.
- The cognitive effects of IVMP are temporary and resolve within two months.