Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Clinical Trial
. 1998 Feb;25(2):238-42.

Longterm prospective study of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: conclusion after 132 months of therapy

M E Weinblatt  1 , A L Maier, P A Fraser, J S Coblyn
Affiliations
  • PMID: 9489813
Clinical Trial

Longterm prospective study of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: conclusion after 132 months of therapy

M E Weinblatt et al. J Rheumatol. 1998 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To conclude observations of efficacy of longterm methotrexate (MTX) treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Twenty-six patients with RA entered a prospective study of MTX in 1983. The study was completed after 132 months of therapy.

Results: Significant improvement (p < 0.001) was noted in the number of painful joints, swollen joints, and physician and patient global assessments. There was 50% improvement in the joint pain index and joint swelling index in > 65% of the patients. A significant reduction in prednisone dose was achieved. Sixteen patients withdrew from the study. Toxicity led to 3 drug related withdrawals of study patients (alopecia 1; pneumonitis 2). At 132 months, 10 patients (38%) had completed the study; 3 patients (11%) discontinued due to MTX toxicity.

Conclusion: MTX was an effective treatment for RA in this 132 month prospective study.

PubMed Disclaimer

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources