Recombinant interferon-gamma in the treatment of systemic sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
Recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a potent and selective inhibitor of collagen production by dermal fibroblasts in vitro and has numerous immunoregulatory activities. We assessed the effects of recombinant IFN-gamma in the treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis.


METHODS
Ten patients entered the study and nine completed the six-month study period. Recombinant IFN-gamma was administered once daily for seven days per week by intramuscular injections: 10 micrograms/day for 10 days, 25 micrograms/day for 10 days, 50 micrograms/day for 10 days, and 100 micrograms/day for the next five months.


RESULTS
After the six-month treatment period, a significant improvement, as compared with base-line values, was observed in total skin score, maximal oral opening, range of motion of wrists and elbows, grip strength, functional index, dysphagia, and creatinine clearance. No serious side effects were observed; however, a significant decrease in white blood cell counts and in peripheral blood lymphocytes was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that recombinant IFN-gamma may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis.
Kahan
A
A
Department of Rheumatology, René Descartes University, School of Medicine, Paris, France.
Amor
B
B
Menkes
C J
CJ
Strauch
G
G
D000328:Adult; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D003404:Creatinine