Ensho
Online ISSN : 1884-4006
Print ISSN : 0389-4290
ISSN-L : 0389-4290
Methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Yoichi IchikawaTaeko ShinozawaHirotoshi TanakaHidehiro YamadaYasutsugu MatsushitaHideto Akama
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

1989 Volume 9 Issue 3 Pages 183-190

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Abstract
Clinical effects of methotrexate on rheumatoid arthritis have been repeatedly confirmed by double blind controlled trials. Clinical activities definitely improved as early as 3 weeks of treatment. It was also shown that most of the patients resistant to gold, penicillamine or the other disease modifying drugs, responded to this drug. Although mechanisms of action of methotrexate on rheumatoid arthritis has not been clarified yet, both immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects seems to be involved. Rare but severe side effects include bone marrow suppression, pneumonitis and liver fibrosis, while common but mild side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms and stomatitis.
Indication of methotrexate should be restricted only to severe cases, and careful monitoring of patients is essential during methotrexate administration.
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© The Japanese Society of Inflammation and Regeneration
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