Systemic scleroderma. Multicenter trial of 1 year of treatment with recombinant interferon gamma.
OBJECTIVE
To confirm significant improvement of the skin score in systemic sclerosis by treatment with interferon gamma in a larger group of patients and to investigate on a molecular level the influence of interferon gamma on collagen type I messenger RNA expression.


METHODS
Open, noncontrolled multicenter study.


METHODS
Five outpatient clinics specializing in the care of systemic scleroderma.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients suffering from the diffuse or limited form of systemic sclerosis and progressive disease were recruited; 20 patients finished the study.


METHODS
Each patient received interferon gamma, 50 micrograms subcutaneously 3 times a week for 1 year.


METHODS
Skin score, collagen type I messenger RNA in skin biopsy specimens.


RESULTS
The patients who completed the study showed an unchanged median skin score after 1 year of therapy. In addition, similar collagen type I messenger RNA levels were detected in skin biopsy specimens taken from involved skin before and after therapy in these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of systemic scleroderma with interferon gamma is associated with stabilization of the skin score and lack of worsening of visceral involvement.
Hunzelmann
N
N
Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Germany.
Anders
S
S
Fierlbeck
G
G
Hein
R
R
Herrmann
K
K
Albrecht
M
M
Bell
S
S
Thur
J
J
Muche
R
R
Adelmann-Grill
B
B
Wehner-Caroli
J
J
Gaus
W
W
Krieg
T
T
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma