Intravenous Methylprednisolone In Patients Research Articles

Short-pulse of systemic steroids in acute pericarditis: an alternative in refractory cases

Abstract Introduction Acute pericarditis accounts for 5% of emergency room admissions for chest pain. First line treatment consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine. Systemic corticosteroids (SCS) are usually reserved as a second-line therapy due to a higher rate of recurrences and side effects. Whether a short pulse of low-dose SCS is safe and effective during the acute phase of the disease remains unknown. Purpose To investigate safety and efficacy of a 3 day pulse of 40 mg intravenous methylprednisolone in patients hospitalized for acute pericarditis with a lack of response to NSAIDs and colchicine. Methods A retrospective, observational and unicentric study was performed including patients hospitalized for acute pericarditis between 2019 and 2023. Patients with asymptomatic pericardial effusion or predominance of myocardial injury were excluded. Patients were considered to be refractory to conventional treatment when at least one of the following criteria was present despite five days of high-dose NSAIDs and colchicine: 1- Moderate/severe pericardial effusion persistence. 2- Chest pain persistence. 3- Increase of inflammatory biomarkers. These patients received methylprednisolone 40mg for three days on top of standard treatment. Baseline characteristics, treatment received during hospitalization and events during follow-up were analysed. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation (quantitative variables) and percentages (categorical variables). Two-sided P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 70 patients with acute pericarditis requiring hospitalization were included (54±19 years; 71% male) with a mean follow-up of 10±21 months. 26 of them (37%) received methylprednisolone 40mg for three days due to lack of response to standard treatment. Table 1 includes a comparison of patients who received systemic corticosteroids versus those who did not (control group). C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher in the group receiving corticosteroids (188±86 mg/L vs 135±85 mg/L; p=0.014) and it significantly decreased during hospital stay compared to the control group (151±87 mg/L vs 97±74 mg/L; p=0.013). 14 patients (20%) experienced a recurrence of chest pain during follow-up with no significant difference according to the treatment received (27% vs 16%; p=0.266) Conclusion A 3-day pulse of low-dose SCS seems to be useful and safe for hospitalized patients with acute pericarditis who show lack of response to NSAIDs and colchicine, with no increase in recurrence rate. However, more evidence based on randomized control trials is needed to support this therapeutic approach.Table 1

Predictive factors for treatment response in active thyroid eye disease

Introduction/objectiveActive moderate-to-severe thyroid eye disease (TED) is a major therapeutic challenge. Pulse therapy with intravenous glucocorticoids is the standard treatment, with variable response. Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) was reported as a risk factor for onset or worsening of TED. We evaluated putative predictive factors for response to intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with active TED. MethodsData were collected for 64 consecutive patients (45 women) with active moderate-to-severe TED treated with a minimum cumulative dose of 4.5g methylprednisolone. Patients were classified as responders (R) or non-responders (NR) on Clinical Activity Score (CAS), and clinical features were compared between groups. ResultsSixty-two patients had Graves’ disease (GD), and 2 had Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Median age at thyroid dysfunction diagnosis, TED manifestation and pulse therapy was 46, 48 and 51 years, respectively; 56.2% were euthyroid when TED manifested. Among them, 73.4% were responders. R and NR were comparable for gender, age, thyroid function, serum antibodies, disease duration, pre-treatment CAS, smoking, lipid profile, and adverse events. Forty-nine patients were treated with RAI for GD: 15 before the active phase of TED (before pulse therapy), 16 during, 17 after, and 1 both before and after pulse therapy. Response rate was higher in patients who received RAI during than after pulse therapy (P=0.032) and similar to those not treated with RAI at all (P=0,599). ConclusionPulse therapy was effective in the majority of patients. The only factor associated with response to pulse therapy was the timing of RAI, suggesting that it seems to be safe when used concomitantly with pulse therapy.

Intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with episodic cluster headache non-responders to oral steroids: results from an observational, interventional, single-center study

Background: Verapamil is the drug of choice in the prophylaxis of episodic cluster headache (ECH), and oral corticosteroids are frequently prescribed as concurrent bridging therapy. Approximately 25% of the patients do not respond to oral treatment. The aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of high dose intravenous methylprednisolone (MPD) in ECH patients who had not responded to combined oral therapy with prednisone and verapamil. Methods: Forty-four ECH patients – non responders to oral therapy – were treated with intravenous MPD (500 mg/day for 5 days) and verapamil during cluster headache active periods. No serious adverse event was reported. Results: After 5 days of intravenous therapy, the 24-hour frequency of cluster headache attacks significantly decreased. Sixty-eight percent of patients became headache-free, and 25% experienced a reduction of more than 50% in daily attacks. No clinical benefit was reported in the remaining three patients. Conclusions: Our study shows that intravenous MPD is a safe, effective, and reproducible treatment for ECH patients not responding to oral therapy.

Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin concentration is associated with disease activity and predicts response to treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with Graves' orbitopathy.

Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) play a central role in the pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy (GO), while soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) is a marker for T-cell activity. We investigated TSI and sIL-2R levels in relation to thyroid function, disease activity and severity and response to treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in patients with GO. TSI (bridge-based TSI binding assay), sIL-2R, TSH and fT4 levels were measured in biobank serum samples from 111 GO patients (37 male, 74 female; mean age 49.2 years old) and 25 healthy controls (5 male, 20 female; mean age 39.8 years old). Clinical characteristics and response to treatment were retrospectively retrieved from patient files. Higher sIL-2R levels were observed in GO patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). sIL-2R correlated with fT4 (r = 0.26), TSH (r = -0.40) and TSI (r = 0.21). TSI and sIL-2R concentrations were higher in patients with active compared to inactive GO (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Both TSI and sIL-2R correlated with total clinical activity score (CAS; r = 0.33 and r = 0.28, respectively) and with several individual CAS items. Cut-off levels for predicting active GO were 2.62 IU/L for TSI (AUC = 0.71, sensitivity 69%, specificity 69%) and 428 IU/mL for sIL-2R (AUC = 0.64, sensitivity 62%, specificity 62%). In multivariate testing higher TSI (p < 0.01), higher age (p < 0.001) and longer disease duration (p < 0.01) were associated with disease activity. TSI levels were higher in patients with a poor IVMP response (p = 0.048), while sIL-2R levels did not differ between responders and non-responders. TSI cut-off for predicting IVMP response was 19.4 IU/L (AUC = 0.69, sensitivity 50%, specificity 91%). In multivariate analysis TSI was the only independent predictor of response to IVMP (p < 0.05). High TSI levels are associated with active disease (cut-off 2.62 IU/L) and predict poor response to IVMP treatment (cut-off 19.4 IU/L) in GO. While sIL-2R correlates with disease activity, it is also related to thyroid function, making it less useful as an additional biomarker in GO.

Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency after therapy with intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with moderate-to-severe and active Graves' orbitopathy: assessment with a low-dose corticotropin test.

We aimed to assess adrenal function following treatment of moderate-to-severe and active Graves' orbitopathy (GO) with intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in weekly pulses in a cumulative dose of 4.5 or 7.5g. We evaluated the impact of IVMP pulses on adrenal reserve using a low-dose (1μg) ACTH stimulation test (LDT) for the first time. In this prospective study we evaluated adrenal function in 21 patients with moderate-to-severe and active GO treated with 12 weekly IVMP pulses according to the European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) recommendations. We assessed serum cortisol, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels before the 1st and 12th IVMP pulse. We performed dynamic testing using LDT before the 12th IVMP pulse in all patients. In those who failed LDT, adrenal function was reassessed with LDT and the overnight metyrapone test after 4-7weeks. Two patients failed to achieve serum cortisol levels ≥ 18.1μg/dL at 30 and 60min in LDT and were diagnosed with glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency (GC-induced AI). They were recommended to take hydrocortisone in situations of acute stress. Both patients were reassessed within 4-7weeks after treatment cessation and showed an adequate response in LDT and overnight metyrapone test. We observed a statistically significant decrease in DHEA-S levels (p = 0.004) before the 12th IVMP pulse compared to baseline in all patients. For the first time, our research shows that administering IVMP in 12 weekly pulses can result in GC-induced AI. We suggest that patients should undergo careful evaluation for GC-induced AI, including LDT, after therapy with IVMP according to EUGOGO guidelines. Screening for altered adrenal reserve could prevent life-threatening complications, particularly during acute stress situations.

Comparison of visual acuity recovery in 3-,5-, and 7-day schedules of intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with optic neuritis: a case-control study (P13-5.018)

Comparison of visual acuity recovery in 3-,5-, and 7-day schedules of intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with optic neuritis: a case-control study (P13-5.018)

Glucocorticoids in Myositis: Initiation, Tapering, and Discontinuation.

We discuss the evidence behind the use of glucocorticoids in myositis including a discussion of mechanism of action, dosing, tapering, and duration of therapy as well as glucocorticoid-related adverse events that are particularly important in myositis patients. Studies showing reduction in mortality rates after the use of glucocorticoids, better outcomes in patients treated with glucocorticoids compared to those who did not, and reduction of inflammation in muscle biopsies provide low level evidence to support use of glucocorticoids in myositis. Early initiation of therapy is associated with better functional outcomes. Use of intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with severe disease may lead to quicker recovery and reduction in long-term glucocorticoid exposure. Steroid-related myopathy and osteoporosis are glucocorticoid side effects that are particularly relevant in myositis. The optimal dose and duration of glucocorticoid therapy in myositis currently remain elusive, and this review emphasizes the need for better quality studies in this area.

Efficacy and safety of oral prednisolone tapering following intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with multiple sclerosis relapses: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundRelapse is one of the main features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Corticosteroids are the first line of management during MS relapse. Since tapering or non-tapering prednisolone after corticosteroid pulse has been a controversial issue, this clinical trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the tapering regimen. MethodsHaving been treated by intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) pulse, sixty-six patients with MS-relapse were randomly assigned to receive oral prednisolone tapering (OPT) or placebo. The regimen was administered in line with the study protocol and the dose was tapered over 20 days. Demographics and symptoms, impact on activities of daily living (ADL), and management procedures were recorded according to Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis (ARMS) Questionnaire. The incidence of adverse events was assessed using the same questionnaire. Patients’ disability improvement was assessed using the Extended Disability Scale (EDSS) during relapse, and over the first, third, sixth months following treatment. ResultsAs shown by the results of the questionnaire, 75% reported that their ADL was not or minimally affected by OPT and there was no significant difference in terms of ADL after treatment between the two groups (p=0.3). The effect of treatment on return to the previous state of health (RSH) showed that there were no differences between the two groups of the study (p=0.5). The improvement of disability in the two groups of oral prednisolone and placebo did not indicate a difference in terms of EDSS in the first and third and six months (p = 0.5, p = 0.9, p=0.3, respectively). Also, the occurrence of some side effects such as weight gain (p = 0.000) and increased appetite (p = 0.004) was higher in the OPT group. ConclusionThe findings of this study revealed that the efficacy of an OPT after a corticosteroid pulse is non-superior to IVMP plus only in case the safety and tolerability profile are comparable.

Treatment with Intravenous Methylprednisolone in Patients with Graves' Orbitopathy Significantly Affects Adrenal Function: Assessment of Serum, Salivary Cortisol and Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate.

Treatment of active, moderate-to-severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is the administration of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP). IVMP may be followed by additional therapy with oral prednisone. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of IVMP on adrenal function by evaluation of serum, salivary cortisol and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). Fourteen patients received IVMP treatment (cumulative dose of 4.5 g in 12 weekly infusions) followed by oral prednisone (for three months). All patients showed normal adrenal function before the 12th IVMP pulse and one patient was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI) after prednisone treatment. DHEA-S was significantly lower before the 12th IVMP pulse and after oral prednisone (p = 0.015 and p = 0.00002, respectively) in comparison to evaluation before therapy. DHEA-S levels were below the reference range in one and three patients before the 12th IVMP pulse and after prednisone therapy, respectively. We observed decreased serum (p = 0.05) and salivary (p = 0.011) cortisol levels after oral prednisone therapy in comparison to evaluation before therapy. Treatment with IVMP in a cumulative dose of 4.5 g affects adrenal function, causing more severe impairment of DHEA-S secretion than that of cortisol but does not cause secondary AI. Additional therapy with oral glucocorticoids after IVMP can cause secondary AI.

Genes differentially expressed by methylprednisolone in vivo in CD4 T lymphocytes from multiple sclerosis patients: potential biomarkers

Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) is the gold standard treatment in acute relapses of multiple sclerosis. Knowing the response to IVMP in advance could facilitate earlier selection of patients for subsequent courses of therapy. However, molecular mechanisms and changes in gene expression induced by methylprednisolone remain unknown. The aim of the study was to identify in vivo differentially expressed genes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients after 3-6 days of treatment with IVMP. For this purpose, whole-genome transcription profiling of CD4+ T lymphocytes was performed before and after treatment with IVMP in 8 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients during relapse using Human GE 4x44K v2 microarrays. Differentially expressed genes were identified using a paired t test on GeneSpring v13.0 software. A P-value <0.001 and a twofold change were considered significant. Microarray data were confirmed using real-time PCR. Microarray revealed changes in gene expression: four genes were downregulated (B3GNT3, ZNF683, IFNG and TNF) and seven upregulated (DEFA4, CTSG, DEFA8P, AZU1, MPO, ELANE and PRTN3). Pathway analysis revealed the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway to be affected. Comparison with previously published data on in vitro methylprednisolone-regulated genes showed that SMAD7, TNF and CHI3L1 were also downregulated in vivo in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. In summary, we performed the first in vivo transcriptome analysis in CD4+ T lymphocytes before and after the treatment with IVMP in patients with multiple sclerosis. Identification of differentially expressed genes in patients receiving IVMP could improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of IVMP and highlight potential biomarkers of the response to IVMP.

Pulse Dose Methylprednisolone Therapy for Adult Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a rare group of autoimmune diseases characterized by muscle inflammation. Typically high-dose daily oral corticosteroids are used as the first-line therapy of IIM. Pulse dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) has been used for serious or refractory cases. Here, we systematically analyze the therapeutic effect of pulse dose IVMP in patients with IIM in a large municipal safety net medical center and review the literature on pulse IVMP in adult IIM. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who were diagnosed with IIM in the rheumatology clinics of the Cook County Health and Hospital Systems. Data collected included patient demographics, diagnosis, immunosuppressive therapies, serial serum creatine kinase (CK) measurements, and serial muscle strength testing. Seven patients received pulse dose IVMP for active myositis. At the time of pulse dose IVMP, the mean strength in the weakest muscle group was rated as 3.1 of 5 (range, 2-4; SD, 0.9) and the mean peak CK was 5746 U/L (range, 1602-14,039; SD, 4911). Dysphagia was reported in 5 of the 7 patients at the time of IVMP. Four to six weeks after IVMP, the mean strength in the weakest muscle group was 3.3 of 5 (range, 1-5; SD, 1.5) and mean peak CK was 1064 U/L (range, 63-1788, SD, 712). Four to six weeks after IVMP, dysphagia had resolved in 2 and improved in 3. At the end of follow-up, mean strength in the weakest muscle group was 4.7 of 5 (range, 4-5; SD, 0.5), mean peak CK was 480 U/L (range, 37-1016; SD, 337), and the mean prednisone dosage was 15 mg (range, 2.5-60; SD, 21). Although our study has certain limitations, our cohort of adult patients with IIM had marked improvement in clinical and biochemical outcomes. Four to six weeks after IVMP infusion, there was a rapid improvement in muscle enzyme levels, muscle strength, and dysphagia. This therapy warrants further controlled trials.

Adrenal reserve following treatment of Graves' orbitopathy with intravenous glucocorticoids.

ThyroidVol. 25, No. 4 Letter to the EditorAdrenal Reserve Following Treatment of Graves' Orbitopathy with Intravenous GlucocorticoidsZoe Giotaki, Athanasios Fountas, Theodora Tsirouki, Alexandra Bargiota, Stelios Tigas, and Agathocles TsatsoulisZoe GiotakiDepartment of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.Search for more papers by this author, Athanasios FountasDepartment of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.Search for more papers by this author, Theodora TsiroukiDepartment of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Larisa, Larisa, Greece.Search for more papers by this author, Alexandra BargiotaDepartment of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Larisa, Larisa, Greece.Search for more papers by this author, Stelios TigasDepartment of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.Search for more papers by this author, and Agathocles TsatsoulisDepartment of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:1 Apr 2015https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2014.0533AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View article"Adrenal Reserve Following Treatment of Graves' Orbitopathy with Intravenous Glucocorticoids." Thyroid, 25(4), pp. 462–463FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byDrug safety in thyroid eye disease – a systematic review15 August 2022 | Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, Vol. 21, No. 7Insuffisance corticotrope postcortisonothérapieGlucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency12 July 2021 | BMJ, Vol. 36What we have to know about corticosteroids use during Sars-Cov-2 infection28 August 2020 | Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, Vol. 44, No. 4Glucocorticoid Withdrawal—An Overview on When and How to Diagnose Adrenal Insufficiency in Clinical Practice20 April 2021 | Diagnostics, Vol. 11, No. 4Functionally enhanced placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit adipogenesis in orbital fibroblasts with Graves’ ophthalmopathy5 November 2020 | Stem Cell Research & Therapy, Vol. 11, No. 1Treatment with Intravenous Methylprednisolone in Patients with Graves’ Orbitopathy Significantly Affects Adrenal Function: Assessment of Serum, Salivary Cortisol and Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate9 October 2020 | Journal of Clinical Medicine, Vol. 9, No. 10Interruption of autoimmunity for thyroid eye disease: B-cell and T-cell strategy4 January 2019 | Eye, Vol. 33, No. 2Efficacy and Safety of Immunosuppressive Agents for Thyroid Eye DiseaseOphthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Vol. 34, No. 4SAdvances in treatment of active, moderate-to-severe Graves' ophthalmopathyThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, Vol. 5, No. 2 Volume 25Issue 4Apr 2015 InformationCopyright 2015, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Zoe Giotaki, Athanasios Fountas, Theodora Tsirouki, Alexandra Bargiota, Stelios Tigas, and Agathocles Tsatsoulis.Adrenal Reserve Following Treatment of Graves' Orbitopathy with Intravenous Glucocorticoids.Thyroid.Apr 2015.462-463.http://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2014.0533Published in Volume: 25 Issue 4: April 1, 2015Online Ahead of Print:February 12, 2015Online Ahead of Editing: January 20, 2015PDF download

Frequency and time to relapse after discontinuing 6-month therapy with IVIg or pulsed methylprednisolone in CIDP

BackgroundWe reported that 6-month therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was more frequently effective or tolerated than intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). We now retrospectively...

Corticosteroids in Respiratory Diseases in Children

We review recent advances in the use of corticosteroids (CS) in pediatric lung disease. CS are frequently used, systemically or by inhalation. Their mechanisms of action in pulmonary diseases are ill defined. CS exert direct inhibitory effects on many inflammatory cells through genomic mechanisms. There is a time lag before clinical response, and the washout of effects is also prolonged. Prompt relief in some conditions, such as croup, may be related to airway mucosal vasoconstriction through a nongenomic mechanism. CS have proven beneficial roles in the treatment of asthma, croup, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and subglottic hemangioma. In some conditions, such as bronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, their use is controversial and is not recommended routinely. In other conditions, such as tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, acute lung aspiration, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, CS are often used empirically despite the lack of clear evidence of their benefit. New drug regimens, including the more flexible use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β-agonists in asthma, the lack of efficacy of oral corticosteroids in preschool children with acute wheeze, the severe complications of systemic dexamethasone used to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia and thus more restricted use, and the beneficial effect of pulse high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or cystic fibrosis are among the major recent developments. There is concern about adverse effects, especially growth and adrenal suppression, induced by systemic CS in children. These have been reduced, but not eliminated, with the use of the inhaled route. The benefits must be weighed against the potential detrimental effects.

Incidence of various cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances due to high dose intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone is the most common therapeutic modality to treat acute exacerbations in multiple sclerosis (MS). Various cardiac arrhythmias have been reported during corticosteroid pulse therapy. This study was conducted to detect cardiac rhythm changes in patients with MS while receiving high dose methylprednisolone. Methods We enrolled 52 consecutive MS patients with acute relapse to perform cardiac monitoring 4 h before, during and 18 h after infusion of 1000 mg intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone. Results Sinus tachycardia was the most common change in cardiac rhythms before, during, and after corticosteroid pulse therapy. Up to 41.9% of the patients, developed sinus bradycardia after pulse infusion. Sinus arrest and sinus exit block were observed in 12 patients. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia were observed in three patients and one patient, respectively. The most important cardiac arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, sinus arrest, and sinus exit block, were correlated with smoking and more commonly observed during 12 h post infusion. Sinus bradycardia and atrial fibrillation were detected more commonly in patients with history of urinary dysfunction. Conclusion High dose intravenous prednisolone might cause different types of arrhythmias in MS patients. Cigarette smokers and patients with autonomic disturbances like sphincter and bowel problems have more chance to develop arrhythmias while receiving high dose steroids.

PS1-09 Down-regulation of Th17-related cytokines by intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with an acute demyelinating event

PS1-09 Down-regulation of Th17-related cytokines by intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with an acute demyelinating event

Pharmacokinetic study of oral prednisolone compared with intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis

To determine areas under the curve (AUCs) of oral prednisolone (OP) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) and assess the association with nailfold end-row loops (ERLs). Patients with active disease have fewer ERLs that possibly occur in the gastrointestinal tract, impairing absorption of oral medications. Six patients with juvenile DM received 50 mg/m(2) of OP (day 1) and IVMP (day 2). Blood was drawn at baseline and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes, and hourly (hours 2-8) after each dose. Samples were analyzed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for levels of prednisolone and methylprednisolone. AUCs of OP and IVMP were determined by the trapezoid method; pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained using noncompartmental and compartmental analysis. ERLs were determined from freeze-frame video microscopy and nailfold capillaroscopy. There was a trend toward significance in difference in mean AUC of IVMP (116.72 microg x ml/hour) compared with OP (65.16 microg x ml/hour; P = 0.059). Mean peak concentration was higher for IVMP (34.49 microg/ml) than OP (7.08 microg/ml); mean half-life was shorter for IVMP (1.90 hours) than OP (2.36 hours). There was an inverse association between DeltaAUCs (IVMP AUC - OP AUC) and ERLs (R = -0.68, P = 0.044). Patients with juvenile DM and ERL loss may have decreased bioavailability of OP compared with IVMP. This can provide the rationale for greater efficacy of IVMP in patients with active vasculopathy of juvenile DM. Further studies investigating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of high-dose IVMP need to be performed in patients with juvenile DM.

Intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma: A random evaluation

To evaluate the role of intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma with new-onset seizures. In this open-label, randomized, prospective, follow-up study, 52 patients with new-onset seizures and a single enhancing CT lesion of cysticercus were randomly divided in two groups to receive either intravenous methyl prednisolone for 5 days along with antiepileptic drug (n=25) or antiepileptic drug monotherapy (n=27) alone. The patients were followed up for at least for 9 months. Repeat CT scans were performed after 2 months. After 2 months, lesion disappeared in 60% patients of intravenous methyl prednisolone group and 18.5% patients receiving only antiepileptic drug (p=0.001). As far as seizure recurrence was concerned, a lower number (16% versus 33%) of intravenous methyl prednisolone treated patient had recurrence, the difference was insignificant. Intravenous methyl prednisolone therapy helps in early resolution of solitary cysticercus granuloma.

1461 Intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma: a randomized evaluation

1461 Intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma: a randomized evaluation

Pharmacokinetic study of oral prednisolone compared with intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with vasculitis of rheumatic disease

Corticosteroids are the drugs of choice for many rheumatic diseases, including vasculitis. There is controversy concerning the route of administration. If there is active vasculitis and the blood vessels of the gastrointestinal tract are affected, there may be impaired absorption of oral corticosteroids.