[Remission induction after pentoxifylline treatment in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis].
Pentoxifylline (POF) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. including suppression of TNF-alpha production by activated macrophages, Th-1 response of T cells, and fibroblasts' proliferation and metalloproteinase production. Pentoxifylline was also reported to possess therapeutic properties in 50% of severe refractory RA in an open study. We experienced a 64 year-old man with seronegative RA, stage 2, class 3. He showed 23 swollen joints, 32 painful joints, ADL score 37/40, and ESR 135 mm/h. All these parameters were dramatically improved 3 weeks after administration of POF 300 mg/d and prednisolone 5 mg/d. Discontinuation of POF resulted in rapid exacerbation of RA. POF was restarted and the patient showed complete recovery from arthritis with normalization of ESR within 3 months and was maintained a complete remission for another 1 year. This case further supports a potential antirheumatic effect of POF on some patients with RA.
Ishii
O
O
Institute of Medical Science, Saint Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city.
Yamada
H
H
Ohya
S
S
Moriuchi
E
E
Kase
C
C
Ichikawa
Y
Y
Yamasaki
K
K
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012074:Remission Induction
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D011239:Prednisolone; D010431:Pentoxifylline