MS Relapse: Rising Steroid Use
- A recent study presented at the Canadian Neurological sciences Federation (CNSF) Congress 2025 suggests a growing trend toward using oral steroids rather of intravenous (IV) steroids to manage...
- Researchers analyzed data from the MuSicaL MS database spanning 2010 to 2022.
- Dr. Jihad Al Kharbooshi, a neurology resident at London Health Sciences Center, noted that studies have shown oral steroids and IV steroids have similar efficacy for RRMS patients.
Discover why oral steroids are gaining traction for managing multiple sclerosis treatment,a trend highlighted in a new study from the Canadian Neurological Sciences federation Congress 2025.News Directory 3 reports on the shift away from intravenous steroids in relapsing-remitting MS treatment, revealing that oral steroids show similar effectiveness, offering more convenience, especially for those in areas with limited access too IV administration.Explore how this change impacts patients and clinicians facing RRMS, as researchers found that severe relapses still often warrant IV treatment. The study also reveals the decrease in overall steroid use due to advances in multiple sclerosis treatment. What’s next for MS treatment and steroid use in light of these findings?
Oral Steroids Gaining Popularity in Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Treatment
Updated June 11, 2025
A recent study presented at the Canadian Neurological sciences Federation (CNSF) Congress 2025 suggests a growing trend toward using oral steroids rather of intravenous (IV) steroids to manage relapses in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).The research indicates a potential shift in how clinicians approach multiple sclerosis treatment, with a decreasing reliance on steroids overall.
Researchers analyzed data from the MuSicaL MS database spanning 2010 to 2022. Of 2,413 patients, 1,086 experienced at least one relapse. High-dose steroids were administered for 818 of these attacks in 543 patients. Route of governance was known for 348 attacks: 59.8% were treated with oral steroids, while 42.5% received IV steroids.
Dr. Jihad Al Kharbooshi, a neurology resident at London Health Sciences Center, noted that studies have shown oral steroids and IV steroids have similar efficacy for RRMS patients. A 2013 review corroborated this, citing investigations that found comparable relapse management with both routes.
The study also explored whether the type of relapse influenced the choice of steroid administration. Findings indicated that patients experiencing multifocal relapses, considered more severe, were more likely to receive IV steroids (39.3%) compared to oral steroids (25.5%). Al Kharbooshi suggested clinicians might opt for IV steroids when a relapse appears life-threatening, believing they offer better management in such cases.
The prescriber’s specialty, whether a neurologist or another type of doctor, did not significantly affect the choice between oral and IV steroids, according to the research.
Al Kharbooshi highlighted the convenience of oral steroids,particularly for patients in remote areas with limited access to IV steroid administration.
Dr. Maryam Nouri, a pediatric neurology professor at Western University, who moderated the poster session, attributed the overall decline in steroid use to the increasing effectiveness of newer RRMS therapies. “The treatment landscape of MS has changed,” Nouri said, with more patients starting on high-affinity therapies early, possibly reducing the frequency of relapses and the need for steroids.
Nouri acknowledged a limitation: route of steroid use was unknown for a significant portion of relapses. However, she emphasized that the increasing use of oral steroids suggests growing clinician confidence in this method.
While Nouri sees the rise of oral steroids as positive, she noted that IV steroids remain the preferred route for managing MS flares in pediatric cases, as current efficacy data primarily comes from adult studies.
What’s next
Future research could focus on comparing outcomes of oral versus IV steroids in specific relapse types and age groups to refine treatment guidelines for multiple sclerosis.