A phase II study of IV methylprednisolone in secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis

Objective: To compare the tolerability and efficacy of two doses of IV methylprednisolone in patients with secondary-progressive MS. Methods: IV methylprednisolone administered in high or low dose every other month for up to 2 years to 108 patients with secondary-progressive MS. Results: No significant difference in efficacy with the primary outcome, a comparison of the proportions of patients in each treatment group who experienced sustained progression of disability. A relative treatment effect was detected with the high-dose regimen as measured by the preplanned secondary analysis, a comparison of time to onset of sustained progression of disability. Drug-related adverse events were observed more frequently in high-dose recipients but serious drug-related adverse events were uncommon, and cessation of study drug was only required in one patient. Conclusion: The results of the secondary analysis of this study suggest that a phase III trial of corticosteroids for secondary-progressive MS is warranted.