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
Author(s)
Chollet-Janin  A., Finckh  A., Dudler  J., Guerne  P. A.
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
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
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