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Influence of sulphasalazine, methotrexate, and the combination of both on plasma homocysteine concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis may increase blood levels of homocysteine, a possible risk factor for coronary artery disease. Researchers compared 105 patients treated with sulphasalazine, methotrexate, or a combination of the drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Sulphasalazine alone caused only a small and temporary increase in homocysteine levels. Methotrexate alone caused a persistent rise in homocysteine, and the drug combination caused a marked increase in homocysteine levels in the blood. A variant of a gene which controls production of an enzyme, present in 10 patients, was likely responsible for the effect of the antirheumatic drugs on homocysteine levels.

Netherlands, Physiological aspects, Homocysteine, Sulfasalazine

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Methotrexate treatment in patients with adult onset Still's disease - retrospective of 13 Japanese cases

Article Abstract:

Methotrexate may successfully treat patients with adult onset Still's disease (AOSD); however side effects may be common and severe. Of 13 patients with symptomatic AOSD, methotrexate treatment relieved symptoms and improved laboratory values in 8 patients within 16 weeks of beginning treatment. Other medications could be reduced or discontinued. Four patients did not respond. One patient discontinued treatment because of severe nausea. Five patients experienced adverse effects, including acute interstitial pneumonia and liver toxicity. Five of the eight successfully treated patients were HLA-DR4 positive whereas all unsuccessfully treated patients were DR2 positive.

Care and treatment, Rheumatoid arthritis in children, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

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Study of eight cases of cancer in 426 rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate

Article Abstract:

Methotrexate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis does not appear to predispose patients to developing cancer. Researchers compared cancer incidence rates among 426 rheumatoid arthritis patients treated for an average of 37 months with methotrexate, 420 similar patients not treated with methotrexate, and more than 800,000 people living in the area. The average length of follow-up was 4 1/2 years. Patients treated with methotrexate were not more likely to develop cancer compared with rheumatoid arthritis patients not so treated. Neither group was statistically more likely to develop cancer than the background population; however, the follow-up period was short.

Risk factors, Cancer

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