Effect of high-dose intravenous methyl-prednisolone treatment on intraocular pressure in multiple sclerosis patients with relapse.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to determine the intraocular pressure (IOP) changes with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (HIVMP) treatment given for the treatment of acute relapses in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Forty patients with clinically definite MS admitted for a new demyelinating event were included in the study. All patients were treated with HIVMP (1 g) once daily for 5 consecutive days. IOPs of 40 patients were recorded before treatment, during the course of systemic methylprednisolone administration and at the end of each month for 3 successive months, four times a day. The average IOP of each day was statistically compared to the pretreatment value.


RESULTS
The initial IOP was 13.5 ± 2.4 mm Hg before steroid administration. The IOP values tended to rise significantly during intravenous corticosteroid administration and in the first month of follow-up (p < 0.05). However, the increase remained within normal ranges and IOP values never exceeded 20 mm Hg during the follow-ups.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrated that MS patients treated with HIVMP have increased IOP which does not lead to conditions at risk for developing glaucoma.
Department of Ophthalmology, Izmir Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Memed
M
Acar
Muhtesem
M
Gedizlioglu
Asli
A
Koskderelioglu
Feriste
F
Ozturk
Serkan
S
Kilinc
Nurdan
N
Talay
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone