Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with higher dose intravenous methotrexate.
A pilot study evaluated intravenous methotrexate (MTX) (initial dose 40 mg/m2; final dose, 26 mg/m2), weekly for 12 weeks in 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who failed oral MTX. Statistically significant differences were noted for all the response variables examined: joint count (p = 0.0017), morning stiffness (p = 0.014), global assessment (patient, p = 0.0032, physician, p = 0.029), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (p = 0.0004), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.012), grip strength (right p = 0.044, left p = 0.011). All 7 patients who completed the 12-week treatment period fulfilled the predetermined criteria for response. Intravenous MTX at these doses has potential efficacy in this patient group.
Gabriel
S
S
Mayo Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Rochester, MN 55905.
Creagan
E
E
O'Fallon
W M
WM
Jaquith
J
J
Bunch
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D008727:Methotrexate