DEVELOPMENT OF ISCHEMIC COLITIS AND SCLERODERMA RENAL CRISIS FOLLOWING METHYLPREDNISOLONE PULSE THERAPY FOR PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS

We describe a patient with progressive systemic sclerosis who develope d ischemic colitis and scleroderma renal crisis following steroid puls e therapy. The possible pathogenic mechanisms of ischemic colitis and scleroderma renal crisis development are discussed. We conclude that t he administration of steroids in high doses, especially via steroid pu lse therapy, should be undertaken with caution for progressive systemi c sclerosis patients.