Abstract |
In an open study conducted over 6 months, gamma interferon was administered to 12 patients suffering from progressive systemic sclerosis. The dosage used was three injections, each of 50 micrograms s.c. in the first 2 weeks, followed by 50 micrograms twice a week. All patients fulfilled the criteria required for classification as type II in the ADF system or the major criterion of the ARA (proximal sclerosis). Therapeutic effects were noted as a decrease in of skin thickness (10/12 = 83%), improvement in muscle and joint pains (5/8 = 63%) and reduction of the procollagen-type III peptide in serum by more than 20% (8/12 = 66%). No effects on fibrosis or dysfunction of internal organs were seen. Disease progression did not occur in any of the patients. Side-effects of gamma interferon were noted in 4 patients, in the form of slightly elevated body temperature and transient influenza-like symptoms, but these occurred only at the beginning of therapy and soon passed.
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Authors | H Mensing |
Journal | Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete
(Hautarzt)
Vol. 42
Issue 6
Pg. 380-3
(Jun 1991)
ISSN: 0017-8470 [Print] Germany |
Vernacular Title | Therapie der progressiven Sklerodermie mit gamma-Interferon. |
PMID | 1917461
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Autoantibodies
- Peptide Fragments
- Procollagen
- procollagen Type III-N-terminal peptide
- Interferon-gamma
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Autoantibodies
(analysis)
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Humans
- Injections, Subcutaneous
- Interferon-gamma
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Peptide Fragments
(blood)
- Procollagen
(blood)
- Scleroderma, Systemic
(immunology, therapy)
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