The effect of methylprednisolone treatment on cerebral reactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
We assessed the effect of intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone (IVMP) on cerebral reactivity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients during exacerbations by means of functional transcranial Doppler imaging. Forty-eight clinically defined MS patients were evaluated with visual evoked potentials (VEP) and functional transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) of both posterior cerebral arteries before and after 5 days of 1000 mg IVMP. After treatment, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score, mean blood flow velocities and mean blood flow velocities at rest and at stimulation, significantly decreased (p < 0.0001, for each). The change in cerebral blood flow velocity ratio (CBFv) with visual stimulation after treatment increased slightly (p = 0.20). All TCD parameters were not significantly correlated with VEP changes. In conclusion, we observed significant changes in CBFv with a non-significant increase in vascular reactivity after treatment with IVMP in exacerbations of MS. Case-control studies are necessary to draw conclusions regarding the beneficial effects of IVMP treatment.
Ozkan
Serhat
S
Osmangazi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Neurology, Meselik Campus, 26480 Eskisehir, Turkey. scozkan@yahoo.com
Uzuner
Nevzat
N
Kutlu
Ceyhan
C
Ozbabalik
Demet
D
Ozdemir
Gazi
G
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017585:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone