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Oral Steroids Shorten MS Relapses
ST. PAUL, MN ñ Multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses can be shortened when treated with an oral, high-dose steroid known as methylprednisolone, according to a study published in the August issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Previously, methylprednisolone was prescribed only in its intravenous form to treat patients who develop a flare-up or attack of MS symptoms. Researchers investigated oral methylprednisolone because it allows patients at-home treatment, unlike intravenous steroids that require hospitalization or daily hospital visits. In previous studies, minimal differences were found between the efficacy of oral and intravenous treatment.
"Oral treatment is less expensive and more convenient for patients," said neurologist and study author Finn Sellebjerg, MD, PhD, of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. "Our research confirms that oral, high-dose methylprednisolone, like its intravenous form, shortens the duration of MS relapses."
For eight weeks Danish researchers studied 51 Danish patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; 26 patients received methylprednisolone, and 25 patients received a placebo. Researchers rated each patientÃs improvement in areas such as walking and voluntary movements. Patients also rated their own improvement. Results indicated methylprednisolone-treated patients had a 30-percent greater improvement than placebo-treated patients. Although steroids caused side effects such as difficulty sleeping, mood changes and abdominal pain, none were serious.
Relapsing-remitting MS is characterized by unpredictable relapses during which new symptoms appear or existing symptoms become more severe. Relapses can last for periods varying from days to months until partial or total recovery. The disease may be inactive for months or years.
While steroids have long been used to treat MS relapses, few studies documented the benefits. Multiple sclerosis is a disabling neurologic disorder of young adults, affecting at least 300,000 Americans. Every individual experiences a different combination of MS symptoms. The disease has several distinct classifications including relapsing-remitting, benign, secondary progressive and primary progressive.
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 15,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is celebrating its 50th year of improving patient care through education and research.
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