EXACERBATION OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS AFTER LOW-DOSE METHOTREXATE THERAPY

Abstract

Background: Efficacy of methotrexate in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is disputable. Nevertheless, methotrexate is still used for disease-modifying therapy of AS. Aim: To assess efficacy and safety of methotrexate in AS patients. Materials and methods: It was an open comparative study of efficacy of methotrexate (n=12) versus standard therapy (n=12) in AS patients. Results: Negative results of methotrexate therapy were obtained. In the majority of patients methotrexate therapy was associated with increased joint pain, swelling and morning stiffness as well as elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fever and visceritis. Worsening of symptoms was regarded as exacerbation of inflammatory process. The study was terminated prematurely. Conclusion: Methotrexate demonstrated no therapeutic effect in AS patients. In AS, methotrexate should be administrated under close physician control in order to ensure treatment safety

Keywords

• methotrexate
• ankylosing spondylitis
• efficacy
• safety