Updated Review: The Steroid Controversy for Management of Spinal Cord Injury.
World Neurosurg
; 150: 1-8, 2021 06.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33684579
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) is a devastating event that can have a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families. While no definitive medical treatment exists, the role of methylprednisolone (MP) in the management of ASCI and other spinal cord pathologies has been investigated in depth; however, its use remains contentious. While MP initially showed promise in the efficacy of ASCI treatment, more recent studies have questioned its use citing numerous systemic adverse effects. Pharmacologic treatments in this area are poorly understood due to the scarcity of knowledge surrounding the pathophysiology and heterogeneity of patients presenting with these conditions. Despite these shortcomings and due to the lack of alternative treatment options, MP is still widely used by physicians.METHODS:
We review prior and current literature on the use of MP treatment for ASCI patients with a discussion of novel drug delivery systems that have demonstrated the potential to improve MP's bioavailability at the site of injury while minimizing systemic side effects. In addition, current views on the role of MP and dexamethasone in metastatic spinal cord compression and postoperative infection are reviewed.RESULTS:
While some data support benefits in the use of steroids on spinal cord pathology, extensive research suggests at best limited effects and an unresolvable risk/benefit problem.CONCLUSIONS:
At present, evidence regarding use of dexamethasone for MSCC is contentious, especially regarding dose regiments. Ultimately, further investigation into the use of steroids is required to determine its utility in treating patients with spinal cord pathology.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Traumatismos da Medula Espinal
/
Metilprednisolona
/
Fármacos Neuroprotetores
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
World Neurosurg
Assunto da revista:
NEUROCIRURGIA
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos