Prospective use of intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide in pseudogout.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively assess the efficacy of intramuscular (i.m.) triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of pseudogout.


METHODS
Fourteen patients with crystal proven pseudogout presenting with an acute attack within 5 days of onset were treated with intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide 60 mg and followed for 30 days. Patients with inadequate response were eligible for a 2nd triamcinolone acetonide injection on Day 1-2.


RESULTS
Twelve patients had contraindication to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAID). Acute arthritis was monoarticular in 10 patients, and involved 2 or more joints in 4 patients. All patients had good clinical response to triamcinolone acetonide based on restoration of near baseline joint range of motion and joint circumference, and at least 50% improvement in patient and physician global assessment. Major clinical improvement occurred by Day 1-2 (2 patients), Day 3-4 (11 patients), and Day 10-14 (one patient). Six patients required a 2nd triamcinolone acetonide injection on Day 1-2. Toxicities were not observed.


CONCLUSIONS
I.m. triamcinolone acetonide appears to be safe, well tolerated, and effective in the treatment of pseudogout. It may be a reasonable alternative therapy when NSAID are contraindicated, and for polyarticular attacks where intraarticular corticosteroids are impractical.
Roane
D W
DW
Department of Medicine, David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, CA, USA.
Harris
M D
MD
Carpenter
M T
MT
Finger
D R
DR
Jarek
M J
MJ
Alloway
J A
JA
Erickson
A R
AR
Venanzi
W E
WE
Drehmer
T J
TJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide