title: A clinical and biochemical assessment of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Low-dose methotrexate has gained widespread acceptance as a second-line agent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Leeds Human Model Screening System (LHMSS) is a validated screening mechanism allowing the rapid evaluation of compounds for their potential as anti-rheumatic agents, the results of which have been confirmed in longer term studies. We have evaluated methotrexate in patients with RA using the LHMSS at a maintenance dose of 10mg/week. Significant change occurred in four out of eleven variables over a 24-week period (p < 0.01). This degree of change is greater than that seen with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents but less than with other recognised second-line agents such as D-penicillamine, suggesting that methotrexate may have less potential as a second-line agent than D-penicillamine.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacology Unit (Rheumatism Research) Royal Bath Hospital, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Tait
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Le Gallez
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Astbury
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Bird
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D013281:Stomatitis, Aphthous / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D008727:Methotrexate