title: Treatment of multiple sclerosis with high-dose corticosteroids may prolong the prothrombin time to dangerous levels in patients taking warfarin.
abstract: Two patients who were taking warfarin experienced significant prolongations of the prothrombin time (protime) after treatment with high-dose corticosteroids for rapid progression of MS. This complication of therapy is potentially life-threatening.
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Center, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina 28232, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaufman
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D014859:Warfarin / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin