High dose intravenous methotrexate with leucovorin rescue in rheumatoid arthritis.

TitleHigh dose intravenous methotrexate with leucovorin rescue in rheumatoid arthritis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1988
AuthorsShiroky J, Allegra C, Inghirami G, Chabner B, Yarboro C, Klippel JH
JournalJ Rheumatol
Volume15
Issue2
Pagination251-5
Date Published1988 Feb
ISSN0315-162X
KeywordsArthritis, Rheumatoid, Drug Therapy, Combination, HLA-DR Antigens, Humans, Injections, Intravenous, Leucovorin, Methotrexate, Pain, Pilot Projects, Recurrence, T-Lymphocytes
Abstract

Five patients with severe, treatment refractory rheumatoid arthritis were treated with high dose intravenous methotrexate (500 mg/m2) followed by leucovorin (50 mg/m2). Four courses of chemotherapy were given over a 2-month interval. At the end of the final course, there was a 50% or greater improvement in joint swelling and pain indices and morning stiffness in all patients. Clinical responses persisted for 6-14 weeks posttherapy. High dose methotrexate-leucovorin was associated with a significant reduction in DR antigen expression on peripheral Leu 2, Leu 3 and Leu 4 lymphocytes.

Alternate JournalJ Rheumatol
PubMed ID3258915
Related Faculty: 
Giorgio Inghirami, M.D.

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