OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of cyclosporin A (CSA) treatment in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Ten patients with < or = 60 months of SSc were entered into a 48-week open study of CSA. Patients with hypertension or azotemia were excluded. Concurrent use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents or diuretics was not permitted. The extent of cutaneous and visceral involvement at 48 weeks and at study entry were compared. RESULTS: Adverse reactions (especially nephrotoxicity) were frequent, usually transient, often dose-limiting, and usually associated with CSA doses > or = 3-4 mg/kg/day. Skin thickening decreased significantly (P < 0.001), while pulmonary and cardiac involvement remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: CSA should undergo blinded controlled study in patients with SSc.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of cyclosporin A (CSA) treatment in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Ten patients with < or = 60 months of SSc were entered into a 48-week open study of CSA. Patients with hypertension or azotemia were excluded. Concurrent use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents or diuretics was not permitted. The extent of cutaneous and visceral involvement at 48 weeks and at study entry were compared. RESULTS: Adverse reactions (especially nephrotoxicity) were frequent, usually transient, often dose-limiting, and usually associated with CSA doses > or = 3-4 mg/kg/day. Skin thickening decreased significantly (P < 0.001), while pulmonary and cardiac involvement remained unchanged. CONCLUSION:CSA should undergo blinded controlled study in patients with SSc.
Authors: Vasiliki Kalliopi K Bournia; Panayiotis G Vlachoyiannopoulos; Carlo Selmi; Haralampos M Moutsopoulos; M Eric Gershwin Journal: Clin Rev Allergy Immunol Date: 2009-06 Impact factor: 8.667
Authors: Tien-I Karleen Su; Dinesh Khanna; Daniel E Furst; Gabriel Danovitch; Christina Burger; Paul Maranian; Philip J Clements Journal: Arthritis Rheum Date: 2009-12