Methotrexate as an alternative therapy for chronic calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease: an exploratory analysis
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_B53BD6C4ED5E
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Methotrexate as an alternative therapy for chronic calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease: an exploratory analysis
Journal
Arthritis and Rheumatism
ISSN
0004-3591 (Print)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
02/2007
Volume
56
Number
2
Pages
688-92
Notes
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't --- Old month value: Feb
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't --- Old month value: Feb
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of methotrexate (MTX), which works not only as an immunosuppressant, but also as a potent antiinflammatory agent, as an alternative therapeutic option for patients with severe calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPDD) who fail to respond to standard therapy with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and/or glucocorticoids. METHODS: We analyzed, in 2 university hospitals in Switzerland, consecutive patients with CPDD that was resistant to classic treatment and were subsequently treated with MTX. Before and after initiation of MTX therapy, we quantified the frequency of pseudogout attacks, pain intensity, the number of swollen and tender joints, and inflammatory biomarkers. Clinical and biologic side effects of MTX and patients satisfaction with MTX treatment were also evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 5 patients treated with low dosages of MTX (5-20 mg/week). The mean followup time with MTX was 50.4 months (range 6-81 months). All patients reported an excellent clinical response, with marked improvement within a mean period of 7.4 weeks. A significant decrease in pain intensity (P < 0.0001), swollen and tender joint counts (P < 0.0001), and frequency of attacks was observed. The biomarkers of inflammation decreased markedly when systematically analyzed (3 patients). No significant side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that MTX could be a valuable therapeutic option for severe CPDD that is refractory to conventional therapy.
Keywords
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use
Antirheumatic Agents/*therapeutic use
Chondrocalcinosis/*drug therapy/physiopathology
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Female
Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
Humans
Male
Methotrexate/*therapeutic use
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
Severity of Illness Index
Treatment Outcome
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
25/01/2008 9:31
Last modification date
20/08/2019 16:23