Methylprednisolone pulse therapy in dermatomyositis.

Abstract

A high dose of methylprednisolone (pulse therapy) was given to 3 patients with uncontrolled dermatomyositis (DM) accompanied by severe muscle weakness. The effects of pulse therapy were compared with findings in 5 patients with severe DM who were treated with the usual dose of prednisolone (controls). The pulse therapy led to an improvement in the clinical symptoms in the 3 patients with uncontrolled DM, who were in danger of aspiration pneumonia. A rapid reduction in muscle enzyme levels in this group was also evident.

• Authors: T Yanagisawa, M Sueishi, Y Nawata, T Akimoto, T Nozaki, T Koike, H Tomioka, A Kumagai
• Journal: Dermatologica (Dermatologica) Vol. 167 Issue 1 Pg. 47-51 ( 1983) ISSN: 0011-9075 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 6628798 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Creatine Kinase
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Creatine Kinase (blood)
• Dermatomyositis (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Intravenous
• Male
• Methylprednisolone (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged