Randomized trial comparing two different high doses of methylprednisolone in MS: a clinical and MRI study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of two different high doses of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) for the treatment of relapses in MS.


BACKGROUND
IVMP is the treatment of choice for MS relapses, but it is unknown whether its effects are dose related.


METHODS
We conducted a double-blind, randomized study. Follow-up included serial clinical and MRI recordings at baseline and at 7, 15, 30, and 60 days after the beginning of treatment. Outcome measures were the number of brain and cervical spinal cord MRI contrast-enhancing lesions, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score.


RESULTS
Both treatment regimens improved clinical scores and reduced the number of MRI enhancing lesions during the follow-up period. The higher dose of IVMP was significantly more effective than the lower dose in reducing the number of MRI contrast-enhanced lesions at 30 and 60 days, mainly by decreasing the rate of new lesion formation.


CONCLUSIONS
The higher dosage of IVMP has a more powerful and prolonged action in maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity after a clinical relapse.
Oliveri
R L
RL
Unit of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Catanzaro, Italy.
Valentino
P
P
Russo
C
C
Sibilia
G
G
Aguglia
U
U
Bono
F
F
Fera
F
F
Gambardella
A
A
Zappia
M
M
Pardatscher
K
K
Quattrone
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009333:Neck; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone