title: [Low-dose oral methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid polyarthritis].
abstract: 28 patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis were treated with pulse weekly oral methotrexate over a mean follow-up of 24 months (6-36 months). Within one month the patients improved significantly by all clinical standards of efficacy and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Maximum improvement tended to occur after 6 months' therapy and was maintained for up to 36 months in most patients. 11 patients discontinued treatment because of adverse effects. It is concluded that this trial confirms the efficacy of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis. Careful baseline and follow-up monitoring is recommended due to frequent adverse reactions.
authors.affiliation: Service de rhumatologie, Médecine physique et Réhabilitation, CHUV, Lausanne.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chamot
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Gerster
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van Melle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008727:Methotrexate
vernacular_title: Le méthotrexate à faibles doses orales dans le traitement de la polyarthrite rhumatoïde.