Oral or intravenous methylprednisolone for acute relapses of MS?

Abstract

Short courses of corticosteroids are commonly used to treat relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS). Intravenous methylprednisolone is generally used in a dose of 500-1000 mg per day for 3-5 days. Steroids affect a wide range of biological mechanisms, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects being especially pronounced. Although corticosteroids are superior to placebo in the treatment of relapses, and high-dose methylprednisolone may be superior to corticotropin,1 little is known about the best route of administration.