Efficacy and safety profile of cyclosporin A in the treatment of juvenile chronic (idiopathic) arthritis. Results of a 10-year prospective study

Objective. This open prospective trial was performed in order to assess the efficacy and safety of cyclosporin A in the treatment of patients with juv enile chronic arthritis (JCA). Methods. Thirty-four of the patients enrolled were affected by systemic-ons et disease and seven by chronic anterior uveitis associated with JCA. The c yclosporin dose was usually 3-5 mg/kg per day. The average duration of ther apy was 1.4 yr, with a maximum of 7.2 yr. Results. The efficacy of treatment was mainly evident in terms of control o f fever and reduction of steroid therapy. The benefits with respect to arth ritis, laboratory parameters and uveitis seemed to be less clear-cut. Side- effects were frequent but usually mild or reversible. Sixty-six per cent of the study population withdrew from therapy because of inefficacy or side-e ffects. Eight systemic patients withdrew from therapy owing to complete rem ission. Conclusion. Cyclosporin can be used in the treatment of JCA, its main benef its being the control of fever and a steroid-sparing effect.