title: Longterm cyclosporine therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Sixteen patients who had shown a good clinical response to cyclosporine therapy during a randomized 6-month double blind study comparing cyclosporine with D-penicillamine in active rheumatoid arthritis, had an opportunity to participate in an open study with cyclosporine. The initial daily dose of cyclosporine was 5 mg/kg. Before the planned maximal duration of 18 months, there were 6 premature discontinuations, 2 because of inefficacy, 2 because of side effects, and 2 for other reasons. During the study there was an improvement in all clinical variables. Even under the strict conditions of our trial there was an irreversible loss of about 15% of renal function. Suggestions are given to minimize the chance of nephrotoxicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Diakonessen Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: van Rijthoven
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Dijkmans
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Goei Thè
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boers
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cats
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012079:Renal Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003524:Cyclosporins; D003404:Creatinine; D010396:Penicillamine