EFFICACY OF DEXAMETHASONE PULSE THERAPY IN PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS

Background. Systemic sclerosis is a disease of unknown etiology for wh ich no specific treatment is effective. Pulse therapy with corticoster oids has been tried for various autoimmune disorders with minimal side effects. We undertook this study to determine the efficacy of dexamet hasone pulse therapy in progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). Methods. Five women with PSS between the ages 30 and 60 years, received 100 mg dexamethasone in 500 mL of 5% dextrose by slow intravenous infusion o ver 3 hours for 3 consecutive days, once a month. Results. All patient s had symptomatic and clinical improvement. The vital capacity improve d in three and posttreatment histopathologic regression was seen in tw o patients. Conclusions. Dexamethasone pulse therapy may provide an ad ditional option for treating systemic sclerosis.