title: [Randomized controlled trial of high-dose peroral methylprednisolone in attacks of multiple sclerosis].
abstract: The efficacy of glucocorticoid treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS) is uncertain. We assessed the effect of oral high-dose methylprednisolone in attacks of MS. Twenty-five patients with an attack of MS with a duration of less than four weeks were randomized to placebo, 26 patients received oral methylprednisolone (500 mg once daily for five days with a 10 days tapering period). Scripps Neurological rating scale scores differed significantly in methylprednisolone and placebo-treated patients the first three weeks (p = 0.005) and after eight weeks (p = 0.0007). Subjective symptom assessment on a visual analogue scale the first three weeks (p = 0.02) and the answers to an efficacy questionnaire administered after eight weeks (p = 0.05) also favoured a beneficial effect of methylprednisolone treatment. The risk of a new attack of MS was not influenced by the treatment at short-term follow up. No serious adverse events were seen. Oral high-dose methylprednisolone is recommended for treatment of attacks of MS.
authors.affiliation: Neurologisk afdeling, Amtssygehuset i Glostrup.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sellebjerg
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Frederiksen
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Olesen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone