Prednisolone as a new approach for treatment of HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy

We have previously shown the implication of HTLV-1 in polyneuropathy in a HTLV-1 endemic area in Mashhad. Treatment with corticosteroids [prednisolone and methylprednisolone] have been recommended for HTLV-1 associated diseases. In the current study we attempted to evaluate the efficiency of prednisolone in HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy. All recognized cases of HTLV-1 polyneuropathy admitted to Imam Reza Hospital [between 1999-2004] were selected for the study. The other common causes of polyneuropathy were excluded using biochemical, hematological, and neurologic examination. Anti-HTLV1 IgG assays were carried out and positive anti-HTLV-1 results were then confirmed by Western Blot Analyzing. All of the HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy patients were given prednisolone, 1mg/ kg and tapering 5mg/ per week, for three month. Muscle force and paresthesia of all cases were returned to normal pattern. This therapeutic regimen led to reduction of disease severity. Muscle force increased to V/V and paresthesia of all cases were severely decreased. The results of present study suggest that immunosuppressive treatment is very effective for HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy patients