Intrathecal versus systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot study.
Fifty patients with multiple sclerosis were treated either by corticosteroids given systemically or by intrathecal injection of a steroid crystal suspension. Before and 3 weeks after the beginning of the treatment we examined the patients according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Four patients had to be excluded from evaluation. In 23 patients the examination revealed at least a small improvement in their disability status. There were 7 intrathecally and 5 systemically treated patients whose disability was significantly reduced. One patient under intrathecal treatment showed a minor deterioration in disability. There was no clear difference in the frequency of improved symptoms or in EDSS scores between the two therapies.
Heun
R
R
Abteilung für Neurologie der Universitätsklinik, Homburg/Saar, Federal Republic of Germany.
Sliwka
U
U
Rüttinger
H
H
Schimrigk
K
K
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide; D008775:Methylprednisolone