Response to intramuscular methyl prednisolone in inflammatory hand pain: evidence for a targeted clinical, ultrasonographic and therapeutic approach.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hand pain with stiffness is a common clinical presentation to early arthritis clinics, with outcome varying from resolution to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the response and predictors of response to intramuscular methylprednisolone (MP) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) using a standardised treatment protocol.

METHODS:

Patients with inflammatory hand pain (IHP), defined as predominantly hand pain and morning stiffness of at least 30 min duration, received a standardised assessment prior to receiving intramuscular MP. Response (primary outcome) at 4 weeks was a 50% improvement in symptoms as perceived by the patient; responders who relapsed received repeat intramuscular MP and HCQ.

RESULTS:

102 patients were recruited, of which 21% were rheumatoid factor (RF) positive, 23% had clinical synovitis, 25% had raised C-reactive protein level and 55% had ultrasound-detected synovitis. 73% responded, with associated significant reductions in morning stiffness, Health Assessment Questionnaire, painful and tender joint counts, and visual analogue scores (p < or = 0.006 for all). Ultrasound-detected synovitis (p<0.001) and RF (p = 0.04), but not clinical synovitis (p = 0.74), were significantly associated with response to intramuscular MP. 86% who remained on HCQ long term reported a benefit.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with IHP have significant improvement in symptoms and function following intramuscular MP. Further placebo-controlled trials are required to assess the role of intramuscular MP and ultrasonography in managing this patient group.

• Authors: Zunaid Karim, Mark A Quinn, Richard J Wakefield, Andrew K Brown, Michael J Green, Elizabeth M A Hensor, Philip G Conaghan, Paul Emery
• Journal: Annals of the rheumatic diseases (Ann Rheum Dis) Vol. 66 Issue 5 Pg. 690-2 (May 2007) ISSN: 0003-4967 [Print] England
• PMID: 17127687 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antirheumatic Agents
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage)
• Antirheumatic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Hand (physiopathology)
• Humans
• Hydroxychloroquine (administration & dosage)
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Male
• Methylprednisolone (administration & dosage)
• Middle Aged
• Pain (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome