Methotrexate for sarcoidosis.
Treatment options for sarcoidosis include corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents and cytotoxic drugs. Methotrexate is a cytotoxic agent which has been used with increasing frequency in the patient with chronic disease. The drug has been useful for various manifestations of the disease, including chronic lung and skin disease. The toxicity of the methotrexate is usually limited to hematologic and hepatic toxicity. Long term use of the drug is associated with some toxicity. Liver biopsies have proved a useful way of identifying which patients may remain on therapy.
Baughman
R P
RP
Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio 45267-0564, USA. Bob.Baughman@UC.edu
D001706:Biopsy; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012449:Safety; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008727:Methotrexate