To determine the safety and efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).
An open, one-year pilot study of MTX (0.2 mg/kg body weight taken weekly) for the treatment of SS was performed. Seventeen patients with primary SS according to EEC criteria were enrolled in the study. Outcome was determined on the basis of clinical and laboratory parameters.
Weekly administration of MTX resulted in improvement of the main subjective symptoms (dry mouth and eyes) as well as in the frequency of parotid gland enlargement, dry cough and purpura. However, no improvement in the objective parameters of dry eyes and dry mouth were observed. Persistent asymptomatic elevation of the hepatic transaminase levels led to a dosage reduction in 7 patients (41%).
Weekly MTX may be an acceptable form of therapy for SS patients. Double-blind trials are needed to substantiate the efficacy of this therapeutic modality.