title: Better effect of methotrexate on C-reactive protein during daily compared to weekly treatment in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Treatment with methotrexate (MTX) is well established in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but dosing remains arbitrary as studies on the effect of different dosing schedules are lacking. In a randomised crossover design of 20 patients with RA, the effect of low (2.5mg) oral daily doses of MTX (15 mg weekly) was compared to intermittent weekly dosing (15 mg). C-reactive protein (CRP) values were lower and more stable on daily dosing compared to the significant (p < 0.05) changes in CRP observed during treatment with the same weekly dose. It may be postulated that nonresponders or patients with dose-dependent side effects may have clinical advantage from daily MTX dosing if hepatotoxicity and other side effects are not increased.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Danderyd Hospital, Sweden.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Seideman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D008727:Methotrexate