Longterm prospective study of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: conclusion after 132 months of therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To conclude observations of efficacy of longterm methotrexate (MTX) treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
Twenty-six patients with RA entered a prospective study of MTX in 1983. The study was completed after 132 months of therapy.


RESULTS
Significant improvement (p < 0.001) was noted in the number of painful joints, swollen joints, and physician and patient global assessments. There was 50% improvement in the joint pain index and joint swelling index in > 65% of the patients. A significant reduction in prednisone dose was achieved. Sixteen patients withdrew from the study. Toxicity led to 3 drug related withdrawals of study patients (alopecia 1; pneumonitis 2). At 132 months, 10 patients (38%) had completed the study; 3 patients (11%) discontinued due to MTX toxicity.


CONCLUSIONS
MTX was an effective treatment for RA in this 132 month prospective study.
Weinblatt
M E
ME
Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Maier
A L
AL
Fraser
P A
PA
Coblyn
J S
JS
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001706:Biopsy; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate