Intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma: a random evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma with new-onset seizures.


METHODS
In this open-label, randomized, prospective, follow-up study, 52 patients with new-onset seizures and a single enhancing CT lesion of cysticercus were randomly divided in two groups to receive either intravenous methyl prednisolone for 5 days along with antiepileptic drug (n=25) or antiepileptic drug monotherapy (n=27) alone. The patients were followed up for at least for 9 months. Repeat CT scans were performed after 2 months.


RESULTS
After 2 months, lesion disappeared in 60% patients of intravenous methyl prednisolone group and 18.5% patients receiving only antiepileptic drug (p=0.001). As far as seizure recurrence was concerned, a lower number (16% versus 33%) of intravenous methyl prednisolone treated patient had recurrence, the difference was insignificant.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous methyl prednisolone therapy helps in early resolution of solitary cysticercus granuloma.
Prakash
S
S
Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow-226003, India.
Garg
R K
RK
Kar
A M
AM
Shukla
R
R
Agarwal
A
A
Verma
R
R
Singh
M K
MK
D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006099:Granuloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020019:Neurocysticercosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D008775:Methylprednisolone