INTRODUCTION
Peyronie’s disease is
a condition characterized by the formation of plaque due to collagen
accumulation inside the tunica albuginea that surrounds the structures
of the penile corpus cavernosum. This plaque can cause deformities such
as penile shortening and curvature [1].
Penile pain and
discomfort may occur during the active period of the disease, sexual
functions are negatively affected, and erectile dysfunction may occur
[2]. The incidence of Peyronie’s disease was found to be 3.2-8.9%
[3].
Although young men are
also affected occasionally, the disease is more common among older
men—specifically, those over the age of 45—and its incidence
increases with age [4].
Surgical treatment is not recommended in the active period of the
disease. In this period, it is aimed to stop the formation of new
plaques, avoid the plaque growth, to eliminate the pain. Approaches to
treatment include the use of oral treatment agents and intralesional
agents [5].
Oral therapies being
used today include vitamin E, carnitine, colchicine, potassium amino
benzoate, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. However, none of
these agents’ effectiveness has been fully proven [6].
Molecules such as
corticosteroids, verapamil, interferon, and collagenase clostridium
histolyticum are commonly used in intralesional therapy [5]. Among
these, collagenase clostridium histolyticum stands out as the most
effective agent, and there are many studies that have proven its
effectiveness
[1,7–9]. However,
in some countries, this drug is difficult to obtain, and the cost of
treatment protocols with this drug can be excessive. In addition,
collagenase was withdrawn from the European market for commercial
reasons. Therefore, there is a search for more accessible treatment
methods that can be used during Peyronie’s active period, especially in
developing countries.
Methylprednisolone is
a corticosteroid with a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It is used in
the treatment of rheumatic diseases, acute/chronic inflammatory
diseases, and allergic reactions [10].
It is a fairly
inexpensive drug and easy to obtain. Since systemic and local side
effects are also rare, it is probably that methylprednisolone could
serve as an alternative treatment option in the acute period of
Peyronie’s disease where inflammatory reactions are at the forefront
[11].
The purpose of our study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety
of intralesional methylprednisolone treatment in patients presenting in
the acute period of Peyronie’s disease.