Methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

0Citations
Citations of this article
16Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

The efficacy of MTX in the treatment of 35 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was evaluated. MTX was administered orally (8 cases) or intramuscularly (27 cases) in doses of 15-20 mg per week over a 3 months period. At the completion of three months courses, all clinical parameters measured except for 15 meters walking time, including joint pain count, joint tenderness/swelling counts and scores, morning stiffness, grip strength, joint functional state and rheumatoid nodule were significantly improved (P less than 0.01 or P less than 0.05). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor were also improved significantly after therapy. Four patients were in complete remission, 20 patients had important improvement, 10 patients had clinical improvement, and one unchanged. The drug adverse effect was mild and transient. Gastrointestinal upset was most frequently seen (45.7%), mild leukopenia occurred in 4 patients, skin rash in 2, herpes simplex in 1. No patient were withdrawn drug owing to the untoward effect. We consider that MTX is a useful and safe mode of treatment for RA.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Ge, M. Z., Zhang, X. S., & Xieng, W. (1989). Methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine], 28(2), 81–83, 126. https://doi.org/10.2492/jsir1981.9.183

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free