American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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In the context of treating multiple sclerosis, what is the duration for which intravenous methylprednisolone is typically administered during a relapse?

3 days
5 days
7 days
10 days

The correct answer is: 5 days

Intravenous methylprednisolone is commonly administered to manage acute relapses of multiple sclerosis as it helps reduce inflammation and hasten recovery. The standard duration for this treatment is typically 3 to 5 days. While some protocols may advocate for 3 days, the most prevalent practice involves administering the drug over a period of 5 days. This duration strikes a balance between efficacy in reducing relapse symptoms and tolerability for patients. Administering methylprednisolone for longer durations, such as 7 days or more, generally does not show additional benefits in relapse recovery and can increase the risk of side effects associated with corticosteroid use. Therefore, the practice of treating with intravenous methylprednisolone for 5 days aligns well with existing clinical guidelines and provides an effective approach to managing acute exacerbations in multiple sclerosis patients.