Efficacy of dexamethasone pulse therapy in progressive systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis is a disease of unknown etiology for which no specific treatment is effective. Pulse therapy with corticosteroids has been tried for various autoimmune disorders with minimal side effects. We undertook this study to determine the efficacy of dexamethasone 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 over 3 hours for 3 consecutive days, once a month.

RESULTS

All patients had symptomatic and clinical improvement. The vital capacity improved in three and posttreatment histopathologic regression was seen in two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone pulse therapy may provide an additional option for treating systemic sclerosis.