The use of intravenous pulsed methylprednisolone in the treatment of systemic-onset juvenile chronic arthritis.
An open prospective study using i.v. methylprednisolone in children with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) who had had a systemic exacerbation of disease is described. Eighteen children aged from 3 to 14 yr and 9 months (mean 9.7 yr) were treated. Ten patients (55%) had a loss of all systemic features 1 month after the pulse, and eight (45%) had a reduction in the active joint count. At this time, five of the patients on oral prednisolone had achieved a reduction in dosage. Also at 1 month, a reduction in erythrocyte sedimentation rate was observed in 11 patients (61%) and of C-reactive protein in 11 of 16 (72%). Altogether, 13 patients (72%) had a good response, while a further three (16%) went into remission. Our conclusions are that pulse methylprednisolone provides good short-term benefit in patients with systemic-onset JCA; no serious side-effects were noted. Further long-term studies are warranted.
Adebajo
A O
AO
Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough.
Hall
M A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D001799:Blood Sedimentation / Q000187:drug effects; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D008775:Methylprednisolone