[Preliminary results in the therapy of psoriatic arthritis with mycophenolate mofetil].
BACKGROUND
Psoriatic arthritis concerns both the skin and the joints. Therapeutic interventions should therefore ideally improve both symptoms. Current disease modifying drugs are effective; however, they are usually limited to either psoriasis or arthritis.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze the therapeutic effects of a new immunosuppressive drug (Mycophenolate mofetil) in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.


METHODS
Six patients with psoriatic arthritis were treated with Mycophenolate mofetil for a period of 12 weeks and examined every 14 days (range of motion, joint swelling, joint deformity, PASI score (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index). In addition, a life quality assessment (SF-36 Health Survey) was performed. White and red blood count as well as inflammation parameter were controlled regularly.


RESULTS
6 patients could be included in a complete follow-up (5 men, 1 woman, average age 50.3 years, average duration of psoriasis 8.3 years, average duration of arthritis 5.7 years). Four of 6 patients showed relevant improvement in pain, mobility and degree of psoriatic skin effluorescences. Only 3 of 6 showed relevant improvement in life quality.


CONCLUSIONS
For the first time results of treatment of psoriatic arthritis with a new immunosuppressive drug (Mycophenolate mofetil) were presented. A positive influence on both, the arthritis and the psoriasis could be shown. These first observations warrant controlled, randomized clinical trials.
Schräder
P
P
Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
Mooser
G
G
Peter
R U
RU
Puhl
W
W
D000328:Adult; D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid