Corticosteroids (prednisone)
Broad immunosuppression; reduces complement activation and neutrophil recruitment
- Response rate
- Initial response in most, frequent relapse on taper
- Onset
- Days
- Route
- Oral prednisone 0.5-1 mg/kg/day
- Line
- 1st
- IgM effect
- Partial complement normalization during treatment
Evidence summary
Corticosteroids are the mainstay of acute management for moderate-to-severe HUVS. They suppress systemic inflammation and can normalize complement levels temporarily. However, most patients relapse on taper, requiring steroid-sparing agents for maintenance. Long-term use limited by side effects.