Methotrexate therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a life table review of 587 patients treated in community practice.
To determine whether methotrexate (MTX) maintains its effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the setting of community based private rheumatology practice we used life table analysis to review the combined experience of a group of these practices. Of 587 patients with RA who started to take MTX, total termination rate at 70 months was 24.4% with most terminations prompted by drug toxicity. Older age (greater than 65 years) was associated with higher rates of toxicity. Treatment termination rates varied substantially between rheumatologists. We conclude that MTX therapy for RA is well tolerated and maintains effectiveness for at least 70 months.
Department of Rheumatology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
R
R
Buchbinder
S
S
Hall
P N
PN
Sambrook
G D
GD
Champion
A
A
Harkness
D
D
Lewis
G O
GO
Littlejohn
M H
MH
Miller
P F
PF
Ryan
D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003154:Community Medicine; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D015993:Life Tables; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011364:Professional Practice; D012219:Rheumatology
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008727:Methotrexate