Treatment of systemic sclerosis with gamma-interferon.

Abstract

Numerous drugs have been recommended for the treatment of systemic sclerosis, but without any significant effect on the fibrotic stage of this disorder. Because recombinant gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) is a potent and selective inhibitor of fibroblast proliferation and collagen production by human dermal fibroblasts in vitro, we assessed the effects of gamma-IFN treatment on the skin and on pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis. Fourteen patients entered the study, and nine completed the 12-month trial. Fifty micrograms/day of gamma-IFN was administered subcutaneously 3 days per week. At the end of the 12-month treatment period a significant improvement was observed in total skin score, and blood gas analysis showed a significant increase in Pa O2 during therapy with gamma-interferon. Other clinical parameters (dysphagia, Raynaud's phenomenon, cardiac involvement) were not altered significantly. No serious adverse effects were noted. These results suggest a beneficial effect of gamma-IFN on the cutaneous fibrotic abnormalities and on lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.

• Authors: R Hein, J Behr, M Hündgen, N Hunzelmann, M Meurer, O Braun-Falco, A Urbanski, T Krieg
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 126 Issue 5 Pg. 496-501 (May 1992) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 1610690 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Interleukin-6
• Interferon-gamma

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Interferon-gamma (therapeutic use)
• Interleukin-6 (analysis)
• Lung (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Respiratory Function Tests
• Scleroderma, Systemic (immunology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Skin (drug effects)