Successful treatment of methotrexate induced nodulosis with D-penicillamine.

Dash, S; Seibold, J R; Tiku, M L · J Rheumatol · 1999

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Accelerated nodulosis is a recognized complication of methotrexate (MTX) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We describe 3 patients with accelerated nodulosis treated with D-penicillamine (D-Pen) while continuing MTX. The combination of D-Pen with MTX therapy resulted in regression of subcutaneous nodules in all patients, disappearance of pulmonary nodules in one patient, and resolution of vasculitic lesions in 2 patients. Clinical response was observed within the first few weeks of therapy and usually required moderate doses (500 mg/day). Our observations suggest that addition of D-Pen to MTX therapy can be an alternative therapeutic option for accelerated nodulosis in patients with RA.

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