Methylprednisolone still the best option for acute spinal cord injury

Abstract

Over the past 15 years, studies, first in animals and then in humans, have demonstrated the value of methylprednisolone in the treatment of acute spinal cord injury. Recent results from major clinical trials have led to more definitive information on the appropriate timing, duration, and dosing of this agent. Presently, several new drugs are under study for the treatment of acute spinal cord injury, but methylprednisolone still appears to be the most effective pharmacological approach for helping to reverse the damage caused by such injuries. The results of these studies were discussed at the 26th Educational and Scientific Symposium of the Society of Critical Care Medicine [ San Diego, US; February 1997 ].