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 In addition, collagenase was withdrawn from the European market for commercial reasons.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.