Abstract
Objective. To prospectively assess the efficacy of intramuscular (im) triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of pseudogout. Methods. Fourteen patients with crystal proven pseudogout presenting with an acute attack within 5 days of onset were treated with intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide 60 mg and followed for 30 days. Patients with inadequate response were eligible for a 2nd triamcinolone acetonide injection on Day 1-2. Results. Twelve patients had contraindication to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAID). Acute arthritis was monoarticular in 10 patients, and involved 2 or more joints in 4 patients. All patients had good clinical response to triamcinolone acetonide based on restoration of near baseline joint range of motion and joint circumference, and at least 50% improvement in patient and physician global assessment. Major clinical improvement occurred by Day 1-2 (2 patients), Day 3-4 (11 patients), and Day 10-14 (one patient). Six patients required a 2nd triamcinolone acetonide injection on Day 1-2. Toxicities were not observed. Conclusion. im triamcinolone acetonide appears to be safe, well tolerated, and effective in the treatment of pseudogout. It may be a reasonable alternative therapy when NSAID are contraindicated, and for polyarticular attacks where intraarticular corticosteroids are impractical.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1168-1170 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of Rheumatology |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 6 |
State | Published - Jun 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease
- Corticosteroids
- Pseudogout
- Triamcinolone acetonide
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rheumatology
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology