title: Methotrexate in psoriatic arthritis.
abstract: Thirty three patients with psoriatic arthritis were treated with starting dose of 7.5 mg of methotrexate orally, every week for a period of 6 months to 7 years (mean 2.2 years) along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The dose of methotrexate during the course of therapy ranged 5 to 15 mg/week (mean 7.8 mg). There was complete to partial remission in arthritis and psoriatic skin lesions in 94% (31) patients. No response was noticed in 2 patients. Regular monitoring of haematological, renal and liver function tests was done. No significant side effects of the drug, requiring discontinuation of the therapy, were seen during the treatment. Methotrexate can be used early in the course of psoriatic arthritis with good results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
authors.forename: Y N
authors.initials: YN
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Malaviya
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D008727:Methotrexate