Treatment of small intestinal disease in systemic sclerosis with octreotide: a prospective study in seven patients.

Background: Symptoms associated with small intestinal involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are usually severe and resistant to treatment.

Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of octreotide in refractory small intestinal disease complicating SSc.

Methods: Seven female patients (aged from 37 to 64 years old) with SSc were included in the study.

Combination of cyclosporine and leflunomide versus single therapy in severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of combination (COMB) of cyclosporine (CSA) and leflunomide (LEF) versus each drug alone, in the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: One hundred six patients with active RA refractory to at least one disease modifying antirheumatic drug (methotrexate obligatorily) were entered into a 12-month open, prospective trial and were randomly allocated to receive either CSA 2.5 to 5 mg/kg/day, or LEF 20 mg/day, or the combination of both at the same initiating dose.