In order to compare oral and high-dose iv corticosteroid therapy for Graves' disease, 25 patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy were treated with two weekly iv injections of 1 g of methylprednisolone diluted in 250-500 ml of physiological solution for 6 weeks, and were compared to a group of 26 patients treated with oral prednisone at a dose of 60-80 mg/day progressively reduced every 2 weeks for a total duration of 4-6 months. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated using the ophthalmopathy index score. Patients were followed at 3, 6, 12 months, and afterwards yearly. All patients showed a significant improvement in signs and symptoms of orbital inflammation and a slight improvement in proptosis and diplopia. Relevant side-effects were reported from patients receiving oral therapy, but no significant side-effects were observed in patients treated with high iv doses; a few cases presented with gastric pain (highly sensitive to aluminium oxide or ranitidine), while most of the patients referred to cutaneous rashes and a metal taste that disappeared some hours after the infusion. Improvements observed after treatment have been stable in both groups. In conclusion, in addition to a lower incidence of side-effects compared to the classic oral therapy, the high-dose iv steroid therapy provides efficient and stable improvement in Graves' ophthalmopathy.
High-dose intravenous corticosteroid therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy / P.E. Macchia, M. Bagattini, G. Lupoli, M. Vitale, G. Vitale, G. Fenzi. - In: JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION. - ISSN 0391-4097. - 24:3(2001 Mar), pp. 152-158.
Titolo: | High-dose intravenous corticosteroid therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy |
Autori: | VITALE, GIOVANNI (Penultimo) |
Parole Chiave: | Adverse effects; Autoimmune response/disease; Corticosteroids; Graves' disease; Intravenous administration and dosage; Thyroid gland/hyperthyroidism |
Settore Scientifico Disciplinare: | Settore MED/13 - Endocrinologia |
Data di pubblicazione: | mar-2001 |
Rivista: | |
Tipologia: | Article (author) |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF03343835 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 01 - Articolo su periodico |