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KMID : 0374919970180020183
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Inje Medical Journal
1997 Volume.18 No. 2 p.183 ~ p.191
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The Efficacy of Methylprednisolone Minipulse Therapy in Severe Rhumatoid Arthritis
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Abstract
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Objective: Methylprednisolone megadose pulse therapy (1.0 g I.V. for 1 to 3 days) has been known effective for the patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, and lately there were few reports that minipulse therapy (100 mg I.V. for 3 days) was also effective. We have done prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of methylprednisolone minipulse therapy against Korean patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods: Methylprednisolone minipulse therapy (100mg I.V. for 3 days) had been given to 13 patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis from March 1994 to April 1996. Each patient was evaluted about the subjective patient´ s self assessed conditions (patient´ s assessement of overall disease activity, visual analogue pain scale and duration of morning stiffness), the objective observer´ s physical examinations (the number of tender and swollen joints, standard grip strength), and laboratory analyses (ESR, CRP and rheumatoid factor). The evaluations were done before therapy, on day 3 after therapy, 1 and 3 months after therapy.
Results: 1. The subjective patient´ s self assessed conditions and the objective observer´ s physical examinations improved significantly after minipulse therapy. 2. The laboratory analyses improved after minipulse therapy. 3. Any significant clinical complication wasn´ t found during 3 months of follow-up peroid.
Conclusion: Methylprednisolone minipulse therapy could be used for temporary improvement of severe rheumtoid arthritis, while the treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs gets effectiveness.
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KEYWORD
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Rheumatoid arthritis, Methylprednisolone minipulse therapy
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