The effect of methylprednisolone treatment on cerebral reactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis

J Clin Neurosci. 2006 Feb;13(2):214-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2005.03.023.

Abstract

We assessed the effect of intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone (IVMP) on cerebral reactivity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients during exacerbations by means of functional transcranial Doppler imaging. Forty-eight clinically defined MS patients were evaluated with visual evoked potentials (VEP) and functional transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) of both posterior cerebral arteries before and after 5 days of 1000 mg IVMP. After treatment, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score, mean blood flow velocities and mean blood flow velocities at rest and at stimulation, significantly decreased (p < 0.0001, for each). The change in cerebral blood flow velocity ratio (CBFv) with visual stimulation after treatment increased slightly (p = 0.20). All TCD parameters were not significantly correlated with VEP changes. In conclusion, we observed significant changes in CBFv with a non-significant increase in vascular reactivity after treatment with IVMP in exacerbations of MS. Case-control studies are necessary to draw conclusions regarding the beneficial effects of IVMP treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / drug effects
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Methylprednisolone