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Methotrexate use in systemic lupus erythematosus

Rheumatology Unit, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

GO Littlejohn

Rheumatology Unit, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

EF Morand

Rheumatology Unit, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Low dose pulse oral methotrexate (MTX) is a well established treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and short term open studies have suggested beneficial effects of MTX in SLE. This study was designed to investigate MTX treatment maintenance rates in SLE using life table analysis, and to determine whether MTX use was associated with a dose reduction of concomitant steroid therapy.

All SLE patients managed by physicians affiliated with a single centre were studied cross- sectionally. Information regarding disease variables and drug use were ascertained by interview and chart review. Drug therapy data including dates of treatment and indications for treatment were analysed using Kaplan-Keier life table methods.

Among 101 subjects with SLE, 25 MTX treatment episodes were observed in 24 subjects. The period studied totalled 19 766 patient-days, with a median (range) duration of observed MTX treatment of 14.4 (5.1-41.6) months. The median (range) initial and peak MTX doses with 7.5 (2.5- 10)mg/wk and 10 (7.5-15)mg/week respectively. The principal indication for commencing methotrexate therapy was arthritis. Only two subjects terminated treatment for toxicity, with the most common reason for termination being remission. The cumulative probability of continuing treatment was 68% at 12 months and 61 % at 24 months, or 75% and 71 % respectively if cessations for remission were excluded. The median (interquartile range) monthly steroid intake during MTX therapy [279.4 (193.4-492.9) mg] was somewhat lower than during the 6 months prior to [298.1 (237.9-531.4)428.8) mg] MTX therapy, but this difference was not significant. A total of 36% of subjects reduced their steroid dose during MTX therapy, but this reduction was not significant.

Treatment of SLE with MTX, predominantly for arthritis, was well tolerated over prolonged periods of observation. Toxicity of sufficient severity to lead to treatment termination was uncommon. A subset of subjects were able to reduce steroid intake during MTX therapy, but no overall reduction in steroid dose was observed.

Key Words: Methotrexate • systemic lupus erythematosus • drug treatment

Lupus, Vol. 6, No. 4, 385-389 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/096120339700600407


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