Naslov
Our experiences with methotrexate in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)

Autori
Tambić-Bukovac, Lana, Malčić, Ivan, Prohić, Avdo

Izvornik
Reumatizam (0374-1338) 49/1 (2002); 20-24

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, stručni

Ključne riječi
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis; methotrexate

Sažetak
Methotrexate was introduced in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) about fifteen years ago, and by us in 1996. The aim of this study is to show our experiences with this agent. Today, methotrexate is the drug of choice in the basic treatment of JIA, especially for oligoarticular subtype. In the period from 1996. to 2001. in our Pediatric Clinic – University of Zagreb (Šalata, Rebro) 256 children with JIA were hospitalised, 85 polyarticular subtype (33, 2%) and 171 oligoarticular subtype (66, 8%). With methotrexate were treated 34 of these patients (13, 28%), 18 with oligoarticular and 16 with polyarticular subtype of the disease. According to the sex, there were 21 female and 13 male patients, and the age at the beginning of the therapy was from 3 to 18 years (mean age 11, 3l ys). The treatment duration was from 1 to 3 years in continuo. The dosage of methotrexate was 10-20 mg/m2, i.e. 0, 3-0, 5 mg/kg of body weight weekly. During patients' hospitalization the drug was administered parenterally, while at home it was continued to be given perorally. All of the patients took with methotrexate also nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and some corticosteroid therapy. All of the patients had regular physical therapy. The results of the treatment response were judged according to the global patients assesment (number of inflamated joints, degree of inflammation and functional disability), laboratory data (inflammation reactants, hemoglobin, titer of hemaglutation tests in RF positive patients). Moderate to significant improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters was proved in 33 patients, while the improvement in one patient was minimal. Adverse reactions were rare and transitory.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA