Abstract | OBJECTIVES: METHODS: The effect of methotrexate on extra-articular manifestations was investigated in 176 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had obtained, in a prospective study, a good clinical response to methotrexate (10 mg/week) taken for 33 months (range 4-68). RESULTS: Before taking methotrexate, 44 patients (25.1%) had extra-articular manifestations: nodules (n = 40) and vasculitis (n = 9). With methotrexate, nodulosis and vasculitis were stable in 31 cases, improved in 3 and worsened in 10 (23%). Among the 132 patients without extra-articular manifestations before methotrexate therapy, 15 (11%) developed accelerated nodulosis preferentially located on the fingers, 7 had a vasculitis and 3 a pericarditis during methotrexate therapy. Extra-articular manifestations occurred between 1 and 24 months of initiating methotrexate therapy. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 88% of the patients with extra-articular manifestations. No relationship was noted between extra-articular manifestations and HLA type or antinuclear antibodies. In 3 out of 4 patients who developed accelerated nodulosis while taking methotrexate, the addition of hydroxychloroquine (400 mg/day) resulted in a significant reduction in the number and size of the nodules within 3 to 10 months after starting combined therapy. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | B Combe, C Didry, M Gutierrez, J M Anaya, J Sany |
Journal | The European journal of medicine
(Eur J Med)
Vol. 2
Issue 3
Pg. 153-6
(Mar 1993)
ISSN: 1165-0478 [Print] France |
PMID | 8261056
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Methotrexate
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
(complications, drug therapy)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Humans
- Hydroxychloroquine
(administration & dosage)
- Male
- Methotrexate
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Middle Aged
- Prospective Studies
- Rheumatic Nodule
(pathology)
- Vasculitis
(pathology)
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