title: Cyclosporin in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is present in a population which is heterogeneous both clinically and immunologically. A variety of cells including lymphocytes, macrophages and fibroblasts play important roles in its pathogenesis, but the T cell appears to be a common thread throughout the disease process. Treatments aimed at reducing these lymphocytes mechanically and specifically result in a good clinical response in many patients. The mechanism of action of cyclosporin A (CyA) in inhibiting T lymphocytes presents a more specific form of therapy. The effects of CyA on the activity of RA have mainly been investigated in patients with active, refractory long-term disease. The data obtained in these trials suggest that CyA is not only a symptomatic treatment for RA but can also be considered a DMARD. The potential benefits of CyA on the one hand and its potential toxicity on the other indicate that a careful assessment should be made of its use in patients with early active RA.
authors.affiliation: Université René Descartes, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dougados
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D016572:Cyclosporine