Short-term effects of methylprednisolone on cerebral volume in multiple sclerosis relapses.
We prospectively investigated the short-term effects of intravenous methyl-prednisolone (IVMP) on cerebral volume in patients suffering a multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse. Ten patients underwent MRI brain studies immediately before and after IVMP treatment, and 4 and 8 weeks later. Whole brain volumes decreased significantly over the 8-week period. The greatest change occurred during IVMP administration. This has implications for MS treatment trials using cerebral atrophy as an endpoint.
Chapman
C
C
Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
Tubridy
N
N
Cook
M J
MJ
Mitchell
P J
PJ
MacGregor
L R
LR
Lovelock
C
C
Litewka
L
L
Sedal
L
L
Kilpatrick
T J
TJ
Butzkueven
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone