RESEARCH - Methotrexate may extend life expectancy in RA

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Apr. 8, 2002 (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- BOSTON (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study

shows how a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may extend the life

expectancy for patients who suffer with the condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, has long been

associated with a shortened life expectancy due, in part, to complications

with cardiovascular disease, infection and cancer.

Researchers now believe methotrexate, an arthritis therapy, may

substantially improve survival among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Researchers studied more than 1,200 rheumatoid arthritis patients after

dividing them into those who took methotrexate and those who took either a

different antirheumatic drug, prednisone, or nothing at all.

Methotrexate was found to reduce risk of all-cause mortality by 60 percent

when compared to those not taking the drug. The risk of cardiovascular

death, a substantial threat to patients with rheumatoid arthritis, was

reduced by 70 percent.

Hyon Choi, M.D., from Harvard Medical School, says, " Our data indicate that

methotrexate may provide a substantial survival benefit, largely by reducing

cardiovascular mortality. "

Studies show methotrexate can improve mobility and decrease systematic

inflammation, both speculated causes for excess cardiovascular deaths from

rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers say this drug not only extends life, but

seems to improve the quality of life as well.

Researchers say this is one of the largest and longest prospective

rheumatoid arthritis cohorts ever studied. They conclude, " This gain in life

expectancy could be considered in selecting a cost-effective,

disease-modifying antirheumatic drug on a long-term basis. "

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by

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SOURCE: The Lancet, 2002;359:1173-1177

http://www.ivanhoe.com/story/p_newsflash.cfm?storyid=3253

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