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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Effective Is A Steriod On Wegeners Granulomatosis ?

My husband is in the process of being diagnosed with Wegeners Granulomatosis, Rheumatologist is pretty confident, but wanted biopsy and more blood work before officially making the diagnosis. She upped his Prednisone from 20 MG to 60 MG, 5 days later, still no improvements noticed. His immune system is already compromised because he does not have a spleen. Will not having a spleen make a differnce on how the steriod works? Many WG patients I have talked to (in a support forum), have felt a difference with a day. Any help would be appreciated!
posted on Thu, 23 Jan 2014
Twitter Sat, 8 Feb 2014 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 8 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
Wegeners Granulomatosis should respond to steroids rather quickly. 60 mg of Prednisone is a large dose so it should help as well. I am wondering what types of symptoms he has? I do not think it will matter that he does not have a spleen and he is taking Prednisone. Although this medication suppresses the immune system, hopefully he will not have to be on it too long. There are other medications that can help control WG that are not steroids. I think his Rheumatologist is using Prednisone in the interrim to help him feel better quickly while he finishes diagnosing the disease. If he does not feel better soon perhaps his symptoms are related to something else. I would think the steroid should help quickly.
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How Effective Is A Steriod On Wegeners Granulomatosis ?

Hello, Wegeners Granulomatosis should respond to steroids rather quickly. 60 mg of Prednisone is a large dose so it should help as well. I am wondering what types of symptoms he has? I do not think it will matter that he does not have a spleen and he is taking Prednisone. Although this medication suppresses the immune system, hopefully he will not have to be on it too long. There are other medications that can help control WG that are not steroids. I think his Rheumatologist is using Prednisone in the interrim to help him feel better quickly while he finishes diagnosing the disease. If he does not feel better soon perhaps his symptoms are related to something else. I would think the steroid should help quickly.