Oral Steroids Effective in MS
In the study, Ramo-Tello and colleagues enrolled 49 patients, assigned 24 to IV treatment and 25 to oral methylprednisolone. The data was analyzed on a per protocol basis: 23 patients receiving IV therapy, 22 getting oral active therapy.
In the IV group, 82% were women and the average age 37.7. About 77% of the patients on oral medication were women, and the average age of that group was 39.5 years.
At 4 weeks, 15 patients in each group had achieved at least a one point improvement in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (P=1.0).
Multiple sclerosis Complications
In some cases, people with multiple sclerosis may also develop:
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
- Paralysis, most typically in the legs
- Problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function
- Mental changes, such as forgetfulness or difficulties concentrating
- Depression
- Epilepsy
No new gadolinium enhancing lesions were seen with MRI scans in either group (P=0.87), nor were there any new T2 lesions (P=0.93).
“These results support the use of oral methylprednisolone due to patients’ convenience, safety, and cost,” Ramo-Tello said. “Now the goal is to undertake a multicenter study to examine the optimal dosing regimen of oral methylprednisolone for the treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses.”
The study was sponsored by the Spanish Ministry of Health with support from Biogen Idec.
Ramo-Tello had no disclosures.
Kremenchutzky had no disclosures.
Primary source: American Academy of Neurology
Source reference: Ramo C, et al “A multicentric, double blind randomized clinical and MRI study of high-dose oral vs intravenous methylprednisolone in acute relapses of multiple sclerosis” AAN 2012.