V K Singal1, V P Chaturvedi2, K S Brar3. 1. Classified Specialist (Medicine & Rheumatology), Army Hospital (R&R), Delhi Cantt. 2. Senior Adviser (Medicine & Rheumatology), Army Hospital (R&R), Delhi Cantt. 3. Graded Specialist(Medicine), Military Hospital Alwar.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to study the efficacy and toxicity profile of methotrexate chloroquine combination in treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: 24 patients of rheumatoid arthritis confirming to revised American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria were studied prospectively for twenty months. Clinical evaluation was made every 3 months. Clinical disease variables measured at each visit were number of joints with swelling, number of joints with tenderness and pain, duration of morning stiffness and physician and patient assessment of disease activity. Blood counts, liver function tests and other adverse effects due to drugs were monitored every 2 months. RESULTS: 10 patients demonstrated more than 50% improvement. 4 patients withdrew from study, 2 because of excessive nausea and vomiting and 2 because of noncompliance. Other side effects noted were hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, skin rashes, raised transaminases and stomatitis. CONCLUSION: Methotrexate chloroquine combination has good efficacy and toxicity profile. Gastrointestinal side effects are most common and usually responsible for the discontinuation of the drugs.
BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to study the efficacy and toxicity profile of methotrexate chloroquine combination in treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: 24 patients of rheumatoid arthritis confirming to revised American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria were studied prospectively for twenty months. Clinical evaluation was made every 3 months. Clinical disease variables measured at each visit were number of joints with swelling, number of joints with tenderness and pain, duration of morning stiffness and physician and patient assessment of disease activity. Blood counts, liver function tests and other adverse effects due to drugs were monitored every 2 months. RESULTS: 10 patients demonstrated more than 50% improvement. 4 patients withdrew from study, 2 because of excessive nausea and vomiting and 2 because of noncompliance. Other side effects noted were hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, skin rashes, raised transaminases and stomatitis. CONCLUSION:Methotrexate chloroquine combination has good efficacy and toxicity profile. Gastrointestinal side effects are most common and usually responsible for the discontinuation of the drugs.
Authors: R S Pinals; J Baum; J Bland; W M Fosdick; S B Kaplan; A T Masi; D M Mitchell; M W Ropes; C L Short; J W Sigler; H J Weinberger Journal: Bull Rheum Dis Date: 1982
Authors: M E Weinblatt; H Kaplan; B F Germain; R C Merriman; S D Solomon; B Wall; L Anderson; S Block; R Irby; F Wolfe Journal: Arthritis Rheum Date: 1990-03
Authors: D O Clegg; F Dietz; J Duffy; R F Willkens; E Hurd; B F Germain; B Wall; D J Wallace; C L Bell; J Sleckman Journal: J Rheumatol Date: 1997-10 Impact factor: 4.666
Authors: M E Weinblatt; H Kaplan; B F Germain; R C Merriman; S D Solomon; B Wall; L Anderson; S Block; R Small; F Wolfe Journal: J Rheumatol Date: 1991-03 Impact factor: 4.666