Methotrexate plus leflunomide for the treatment of relapsingWegener's granulomatosis. A retrospective uncontrolled study.
OBJECTIVE
While remission is achieved in the majority of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG)-patients with cyclophosphamide, maintenance of remission remains a challenge due to the high rate of relapses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of methotrexate (MTX) plus leflunomide (LEF) for the treatment of minor relapsing WG not warranting cyclophosphamide.


METHODS
Retrospective chart analyses of 51 WG-patients with non-life-threatening relapses under MTX or LEF maintenance monotherapy. Relapsing patients were subsequently treated with a combination therapy of MTX+LEF.


RESULTS
Fifty-one WG patients with relapses under MTX (n=36) or LEF (n=15) maintenance monotherapy were identified. They were subsequently treated with MTX+LEF to reintroduce remission. Mean follow-up was 26.0 (3-93) months. MTX+LEF controlled relapsing WG in 43/51 (84%) patients: 28/51 achieved a Birmingham Vasculitis activity index (BVAS)=0 and 15/51 a response (BVAS reduction of > = or). 8/51 patients did not respond to MTX+LEF (<50% BVAS reduction) and were switched to cyclophosphamide and/or a biological for ongoing disease activity. Follow up showed a sustained remission (BVAS=0 >3 months) in 14/51 patients, a minor relapse in 27/51, and a major relapse in 2/51 (subsequently switched to cyclophosphamide). Fifty adverse effects were observed. MTX+LEF therapy was discontinued in 18/51 patients because of adverse effects (main causes: gastro-intestinal complaints, hypertension, infections).


CONCLUSIONS
Although side effects limited the overall performance of MTX+LEF, this combination, if tolerated well, remains an effective treatment in patients not warranting cyclophosphamide.
Bremer
Jan P
JP
University of Lübeck, Department of Rheumatology, Vasculitis Centre UKSH & Klinikum Bad Bramstedt, Lübeck, Germany. phillip.bremer@web.de
Ullrich
Sebastian
S
Laudien
Martin
M
Gross
Wolfgang L
WL
Lamprecht
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D055815:Young Adult
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008727:Methotrexate