Management of chronic neuritis with a combination regimen of lower doses prednisolone and methotrexate: a brief report.

INTRODUCTION: Recommended fixed duration prednisolone regimen was not found effective in the treatment of chronic neuritis. Alternate effective treatment was being sought to reduce the deformity in the field of leprosy.

OBJECTIVE: We wished to see whether a prolonged course of prednisolone and methotrexate could be of any help for them.

METHODOLOGY: In 2012-2014, an open pilot clinical study was undertaken where three chronic neuritic patients were treated with lower doses prednisolone and methotrexate for 12 months and a follow up period was delivered for 12 months. The study was undertaken in one of the outdoor clinics of the university.

RESULTS: Complete and permanent remission of neuritis was achieved with appreciable functional recovery. Few mild self-limiting side-effects from prednisolone were observed and there was no side-effects from methotrexate.

CONCLUSION: Prolonged course of prednisolone and methotrexate was found safe and effective in treating chronic neuritis.