Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: METHODS: In a randomized double-blind trial at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of a tertiary care centre, 29 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria not responding well to H1 antihistaminics were recruited. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either a weekly dose of oral methotrexate 15 mg or placebo ( calcium carbonate) for a total duration of 12 weeks, after which treatment was stopped and patients were followed up for relapse of urticaria. Each group also received levocetrizine 5 mg once daily for symptom control. Primary outcome measured was a reduction by >2/3 rd of baseline urticaria scores after 12 week therapy. Secondary outcome was a reduction in antihistamine requirement after stopping therapy. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were randomized to the methotrexate group and fifteen patients to the placebo group. Out of 17 patients who completed therapy, the primary outcome was achieved by 3.5 ± 1.9 (out of 10) patients in the methotrexate group and by 3.67 ± 1.03 (out of 7) patients in the placebo group (P > 0.05). Ten patients followed up, after stopping therapy, for a mean period of 3.5 ± 2.4 months; 3 remained in remission and 7 had relapsed. One patient had uncontrollable nausea and vomiting after taking methotrexate and was withdrawn from the study. The placebo group did not experience any side effects. CONCLUSIONS:
Methotrexate 15 mg weekly for 3 months did not provide any additional benefit over H1 antihistamines in this study but an adequately powered study with longer follow up is required to assess its utility.
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Authors | Vinod K Sharma, Saurabh Singh, M Ramam, Mahesh Kumawat, Rakesh Kumar |
Journal | Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology
(Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol)
2014 Mar-Apr
Vol. 80
Issue 2
Pg. 122-8
ISSN: 0973-3922 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 24685847
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Dermatologic Agents
- Histamine H1 Antagonists
- Placebos
- Methotrexate
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Chronic Disease
- Dermatologic Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Resistance
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Histamine H1 Antagonists
(administration & dosage)
- Humans
- Male
- Methotrexate
(administration & dosage)
- Middle Aged
- Pilot Projects
- Placebos
- Treatment Outcome
- Urticaria
(drug therapy)
- Young Adult
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