title: Double-blind trial of dexamethasone versus methylprednisolone in multiple sclerosis acute relapses.
abstract: The efficacy of dexamethasone (DX) and methylprednisolone (MP) at high (HD) and low (LD) dose in acute multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses was evaluated by a double-blind trial in 31 patients followed for 1 year. DX and HDMP were similarly efficacious in promoting recovery, while LDMP was ineffective in the short-term outcome and was followed by an early clinical reactivation. The different outcomes seem to be related to different immunomodulating effects, mainly on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG synthesis and on peripheral blood and CSF CD4+ lymphocyte subsets.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, National Institute of Neurology C. Besta, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: La Mantia
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eoli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Milanese
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salmaggi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dufour
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Torri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D003907:Dexamethasone; D008775:Methylprednisolone