title: Antimetabolites in the treatment of arthritis: current status of the use of antimetabolites.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a chronic inflammation of the synovial joints and infiltration of blood-derived cells. In daily practice rheumatologists use the antimetabolites methotrexate (MTX) and leflunomide for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The current clinical status (efficacy/toxicity) of these 2 antimetabolites in the treatment of RA will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: B A C
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Dijkmans
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jansen
mesh_terms: D000963:Antimetabolites / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000963:Antimetabolites; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008727:Methotrexate