Successful treatment of progressive vitiligo with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone 'pulse' therapy

Dermatology. 1999;199(3):261-2. doi: 10.1159/000018260.

Abstract

We report on the successful therapy of rapid progressive generalized vitiligo in a 24-year-old woman. After intravenous injection of 500 mg of methylprednisolone on 3 consecutive days, the disease progression was stopped and repigmentation was induced. The treatment was repeated monthly and after 6 cycles, repigmentation was achieved on vast parts of most vitiligo lesions. The treatment was well tolerated by the patient, and no side effects were noted. We conclude that high-dose glucocorticoid pulse therapy may represent a therapeutic alternative in selected patients with generalized rapid progressive vitiligo.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitiligo / drug therapy*
  • Vitiligo / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Methylprednisolone