Abstract
A pilot study evaluated intravenous methotrexate (MTX) (initial dose 40 mg/m2; final dose, 26 mg/m2), weekly for 12 weeks in 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who failed oral MTX. Statistically significant differences were noted for all the response variables examined: joint count (p = 0.0017), morning stiffness (p = 0.014), global assessment (patient, p = 0.0032, physician, p = 0.029), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (p = 0.0004), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.012), grip strength (right p = 0.044, left p = 0.011). All 7 patients who completed the 12-week treatment period fulfilled the predetermined criteria for response. Intravenous MTX at these doses has potential efficacy in this patient group.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 460-465 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Rheumatology |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - Jan 1 1990 |
Keywords
- methotrexate
- rheumatoid arthritis
- treatment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rheumatology
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology