To study how low-dose of methotrexate affects steroid use, asthma symptom scores and pulmonary function in glucocorticoid-dependent asthmatic patients.Methods 13 patients with severe, steroid-dependent asthma were enr...To study how low-dose of methotrexate affects steroid use, asthma symptom scores and pulmonary function in glucocorticoid-dependent asthmatic patients.Methods 13 patients with severe, steroid-dependent asthma were enrolled in the prospective study, who received weekly oral methotrexate 20 mg for 12 months. Of these 13 patients, 12 finished 12 monthcourseResults The mean prednisone dose reduced from 20.63mg/d to 7.71mg/d （P【0.001） in the 12 patients treated with long-term methotrexate: Eight patients discontinued the regular use of prednisone, 10 patients reduced predaisone dosage by more than 50%. Measurement of forced vital capacity（FVC） and forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV<sub>1</sub>） showed that there was no deterioration due to methotrexate treatment and steroid reduction. Mean daily symptom scores for cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness remained unchanged.Conclusion Our study provides evidence supporting the long-term efficacy and safety of methotrexate in patients with severe bronchial asthma.展开更多
文摘To study how low-dose of methotrexate affects steroid use, asthma symptom scores and pulmonary function in glucocorticoid-dependent asthmatic patients.Methods 13 patients with severe, steroid-dependent asthma were enrolled in the prospective study, who received weekly oral methotrexate 20 mg for 12 months. Of these 13 patients, 12 finished 12 monthcourseResults The mean prednisone dose reduced from 20.63mg/d to 7.71mg/d （P【0.001） in the 12 patients treated with long-term methotrexate: Eight patients discontinued the regular use of prednisone, 10 patients reduced predaisone dosage by more than 50%. Measurement of forced vital capacity（FVC） and forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV<sub>1</sub>） showed that there was no deterioration due to methotrexate treatment and steroid reduction. Mean daily symptom scores for cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness remained unchanged.Conclusion Our study provides evidence supporting the long-term efficacy and safety of methotrexate in patients with severe bronchial asthma.
