This open prospective trial was performed in order to assess the efficacy and safety of cyclosporin A in the treatment of patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA).
Thirty-four of the patients enrolled were affected by systemic-onset disease and seven by chronic anterior uveitis associated with JCA. The cyclosporin dose was usually 3-5 mg/kg per day. The average duration of therapy was 1.4 yr, with a maximum of 7.2 yr.
The efficacy of treatment was mainly evident in terms of control of fever and reduction of steroid therapy. The benefits with respect to arthritis, 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-effects. Eight systemic patients withdrew from therapy owing to complete remission.
Cyclosporin can be used in the treatment of JCA, its main benefits being the control of fever and a steroid-sparing effect.