Interferon alpha-2 (IFN alpha 2) increases lacrimal and salivary function in Sjögren's syndrome patients. Preliminary results of an open pilot trial versus OH-chloroquine.
OBJECTIVE
The effect of recombinant interferon alpha-2 (IFN alpha 2) therapy in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) was studied.


METHODS
An open study was performed in which 20 SS patients were given IFN alpha 2 3.10(6) MU/3 times/week or OH-chloroquine (OH-C) 6 mg/kg/daily, for a mean period of 11 months.


RESULTS
Gland assessment showed that lacrimal and salivary function improved by 67% and 61% versus 15% and 18% respectively (p < 0.01) in the patients treated with IFN alpha 2 compared to those treated with OH-C. Immunological parameters did not change over time in either group. In 3 patients a decrease in the tissue score was observed in the IFN alpha 2 group, while no changes were seen in the control group. Tolerability was acceptable.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that IFN can improve tear function and dry mouth in SS, without causing significant side effects.
Ferraccioli
G F
GF
Rheumatic Disease Unit (RDU), School of Medicine of Udine, Italy.
Salaffi
F
F
De Vita
S
S
Casatta
L
L
Avellini
C
C
Carotti
M
M
Beltrami
C A
CA
Cervini
C
C
Bartoli
E
E
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine