METHOTREXATE USE IN SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS

Recent investigations suggest a beneficial role for methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of systemic vasculitis. Although glucocorticosteroid s (GS) and cyclophosphamide have been the cornerstone of vasculitis th erapy, medication toxicity and the potential for relapsing and treatme nt-resistant disease have prompted the search for other therapeutic op tions. Weekly low-dose MTX has been found to be an acceptable cytotoxi c alternative in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis who do not hav e immediate life-threatening disease. In Takayasu's arteritis, MTX was observed to be effective in decreasing GS therapy and toxicity in som e patients. Giant cell arteritis is another vasculitic disorder for wh ich MTX may have potential value in the treatment of disease and reduc tion of GS-related complications.