5 of 16 patients with polymyositis, whose disease could not be controlled with corticosteroids alone, received Methotrexate therapy. 4 had pure polymyositis while one had myositis associated with systemic sclerosis. As a group, they demonstrated, clinically and chemically, more severe muscle disease than those requiring steroids alone. 3 patients clearly responded to the drug, but toxicity was a significant limiting factor. The most serious complication, namely Methotrexate pneumonitis, observed in two patients receiving oral dosage, contributed to death in one. Methotrexate therapy, while a useful adjunct in the steroid refractory patient, is highly toxic, especially when given orally, and must be used with caution.
CITATION STYLE
Arnett, F. C., Whelton, J. C., Zizic, T. M., & Stevens, M. B. (1973). Methotrexate therapy in polymyositis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 32(6), 536–546. https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.32.6.536
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