Protracted febrile myalgia syndrome treated with pulse of corticosteroids

Abstract

Objective: This study describes our 5-year experience treating protracted febrile myalgia syndrome (PFMS) with pulsed doses of corticosteroids.

Methods: Eight patients with PFMS who received pulse corticosteroid therapy were identified from the electronic database of a tertiary pediatric medical center (2011-2016). Their clinical and laboratory data were collected. Differences in continuous variables between hospital admission and discharge were analyzed using Wilcoxon's matched pairs test.

Results: There were 6 female and 2 male patients of median age 10.45 years (range 6.2-17.1) Six patients were found to be homozygous for the M694V mutation. In 4 patients, PFMS was the first-ever manifestation of familial Mediterranean fever. Pulse corticosteroid therapy was administered at a dose of 10mg/kg for 3 days. Pain was alleviated (visual analog scale score, 0) within hours of initiation of therapy, although pain flare-ups lasting for minutes to hours were still observed during hospitalization. At discharge, all patients were prescribed continuous oral corticosteroids (1-2mg/kg) with gradual tapering down over 6 weeks.

Conclusion: Pulse corticosteroid therapy is effective in alleviating PFMS pain; however, it does not completely abort a PFMS episode.

Keywords: Corticosteroid; Familial Mediterranean fever; Protracted febrile myalgia; Solumedrol.