title: The use of methotrexate in steroid-resistant systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Although the use of methotrexate (MTX) is gaining acceptance in the treatment of several connective tissue diseases, there is little evidence of its therapeutic value in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We examined the response to MTX in patients with steroid-resistant SLE in an open, unblinded study. Of 10 SLE patients treated with MTX (7.5 mg/weekly), 7 showed improvement. The other 3 stopped therapy because of lack of response or because of side effects. Improvements were noted within 3 months in responding patients. These promising observations suggest that controlled studies of MTX for the treatment of SLE are justified.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI 53705.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Rothenberg
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Graziano
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Grandone
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Goldberg
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Bjarnason
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Finesilver
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014456:Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids; D008727:Methotrexate