Nemati Karimooy H, Derakhshan M, Rezaee S A, Mahmoud Hosseini.
Prednisolone as a new approach for treatment of HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy.
Pak J Med Sci Jan ;25(1):142-5.

Objective: 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 Methodology: 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-HTLV-1 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: The results of present study suggest that immunosuppressive treatment is very effective for HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy patients.

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