[Methotrexate in conjunction with meloxicam for treating ankylosing spondylitis: a clinical observation of the efficacy and safety].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined use of methotrexate and meloxicam for treating of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and to determine the optimal dosage of methotrexate.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients with AS were divided into group A (n=14) to receive oral methotrexate at the dose of 12.3+/-3.6 mg once a week and group B (n=18) at the dose of 21.3+/-3.2 mg once a week. Each of the patients in both groups also took oral meloxicam (7.5 mg) for 3 months.


RESULTS
After treatment, the clinical indexes and inflammatory parameters of the patients significantly improved in both groups, with a total efficacy of 78.6% in group A and 88.9% in group B.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of methotrexate with meloxicam may achieve satisfactory results in AS treatment, which is not positively related to methotrexate dosage. In short-term usage, meloxicam does not increase the toxicity of methotrexate.
Xie
Rui-long
RL
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, Guangzhou 510010, China.
Li
Xiao-hao
XH
Kang
Xian-tong
XT
D000328:Adult; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000077239:Meloxicam; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013843:Thiazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; D000077239:Meloxicam; D008727:Methotrexate