Cyclosporine in rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory process of unknown etiology that leads to significant morbidity and accelerated mortality in the 10 to 15% of patients with severe proliferative and erosive synovitis that is unresponsive to conventional therapies. T cells play a key role in the initiation and perpetuation of the process. Based on its immune action, cyclosporine has been used in rheumatoid arthritis in a variety of worldwide clinical trials. This article presents the results of several pivotal studies and outlines the development of cyclosporine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Yocum
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Section of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Arizona Arthritis Center, Tucson 85724, USA.
Torley
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H
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors
D016572:Cyclosporine