Treatment of systemic sclerosis with gamma-interferon.
Numerous drugs have been recommended for the treatment of systemic sclerosis, but without any significant effect on the fibrotic stage of this disorder. Because recombinant gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) is a potent and selective inhibitor of fibroblast proliferation and collagen production by human dermal fibroblasts in vitro, we assessed the effects of gamma-IFN treatment on the skin and on pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis. Fourteen patients entered the study, and nine completed the 12-month trial. Fifty micrograms/day of gamma-IFN was administered subcutaneously 3 days per week. At the end of the 12-month treatment period a significant improvement was observed in total skin score, and blood gas analysis showed a significant increase in Pa O2 during therapy with gamma-interferon. Other clinical parameters (dysphagia, Raynaud's phenomenon, cardiac involvement) were not altered significantly. No serious adverse effects were noted. These results suggest a beneficial effect of gamma-IFN on the cutaneous fibrotic abnormalities and on lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.
Hein
R
R
Dermatologische Klinik, Universitäten München, Germany.
Behr
J
J
Hündgen
M
M
Hunzelmann
N
N
Meurer
M
M
Braun-Falco
O
O
Urbanski
A
A
Krieg
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects
D015850:Interleukin-6; D007371:Interferon-gamma