High Dose Intravenous Methyl Prednisolone (Pulse Therapy) in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Disease

Abstract

Maintaining joint function during active phases of rheumatoid disease (RD) can be difficult despite positive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAI) drugs and other conservative measures. Adrenal corticosteroids or ACTH, are effective, but their continued use may be hazardous. There is little information concerning the clinical effectiveness and duration of action in active RD when methyl prednisolone (MP) is given intravenously in large doses (pulse therapy). We report the use of methyl prednisolone pulse therapy (MPPT) in such cases.