B‐Scanning assessment of the anti‐inflammatory activity of methylprednisolone aceponate on experimentally induced allergic reactions

Abstract

AbstractBackground The inhibitory activity of methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA) on experimentally induced allergic reactions was assessed by an echographic method employing a B‐scanner and a dedicated software, and compared to the effects of corticosteroids of known potency.Material and methods Experimental lesions, which were induced by patch testing 12 sensitized subjects with 5% nickel sulfate (pet.), were treated with two medications of different steroids (clobetasol propionate, fluocinolone acetonide, clobetasone butyrate, and methylprednisolone aceponate), performed 16 and 40 h after the application of the nickel patch tests. Clinical and echographic evaluations were carried out at the beginning of the experiment, and 64 hours after the induction of the reactions, Values of skin thickness and of extension of hypo‐reflecting dermal areas were determined by image processing on echographic recordings.Results Rank order of the potency of the tested corticostcroids, as evaluated by echography, was the same as the one obtained by visual scoring. MPA proved to be less effective than clobetasol propionate, more effective than clobetasone butyrate. and equally as effective as fluocinolone acetonide.Conclusion This experiment indicated MPA can be considered a potent steroid.