Long-term methotrexate use in rheumatoid arthritis patients: real-world data from the MARTE study.

Background: The MARTE study investigated the demographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients ongoing methotrexate (MTX) treatment for longer than 8 years.

Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study considered 587 RA patients from 67 Rheumatology Units across Italy. Data collected included demographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics, focusing on MTX prescription patterns (route of administration, dosing regimens, treatment duration, and discontinuation).

Adherence to current recommendations on the use of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis in Italy: results from the MARI study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess how the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with methotrexate (MTX) in Italy is adherent to current national recommendations.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional and retrospective analysis of data collected from the MARI study, a multicentre survey on Italian patients with RA on treatment with MTX for at least 12 months. Retrospective data included patient's clinical history, previous treatment with MTX, screening tests performed before MTX prescription.

An open, randomized comparison study of cyclosporine A, cyclosporine A + methotrexate and cyclosporine A + hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of early severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Purpose: To determine whether a regimen of cyclosporine (CSA) and methotrexate (MTX), or CSA and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) introduced in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can produce a significant improvement in clinical outcome and/or retard radiographic damage in comparison with standard monotherapy with CSA alone.

Methods: One hundred five patients with active RA of less than 36 months duration, who had never previously been treated with immunosuppressive agents, were included in a 12-month, multi-center, open, randomized trial. Patients who fulfilled the criteria for early severe RA were randomized to receive either combination therapy (CSA + MTX n = 34, CSA + HCQ n = 35) or CSA alone (n = 36).

Long-term safety and efficacy of low-dose cyclosporin A in severe psoriatic arthritis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of long-term treatment with cyclosporin A (CsA) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods: Sixty patients with PsA were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomised study of CsA. Patients with hypertension or hypercreatinemia were excluded.