Methotrexate treatment of idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis
Article Abstract:
Idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis may be effectively treated with low-dose methotrexate. Idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis is a rare disorder involving recurrent liver nodules, fever, fatigue and muscle aches. High-dose glucocorticoids are the usual treatment. Seven patients who could not tolerate or did not respond to glucocorticoid therapy received methotrexate, an immunosuppressive drug. Methotrexate was administered orally, at a dosage of 15 milligrams per week. All seven patients responded well to methotrexate. Fever and fatigue abated, and liver biopsies revealed that granulomatous nodules had disappeared. Mild nausea after methotrexate administration was the only side effect noted. Three patients were able to taper and discontinue methotrexate therapy.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1995
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Sustained biochemical and histologic remission of primary biliary cirrhosis in response to medical treatment
Article Abstract:
Methotrexate treatment appears to be effective in some patients with a liver condition called primary biliary cirrhosis. Liver function and condition were evaluated routinely among five patients treated for at least six years with methotrexate, some of who had previously been treated unsuccessfully with colchicine. These patients were part of a group of 19 similar patients. Liver function and liver condition, as measured by tissue sampling, returned to normal or near normal in all five patients. Other characteristic signs of the condition also disappeared.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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Reversibility of hepatic fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis
Article Abstract:
Liver damage associated with autoimmune hepatitis may be reversible. Liver function and liver damage analyses were performed before and after treatment on liver samples from eight patients successfully treated for autoimmune hepatitis. Chemical markers of liver function including bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and albumin levels significantly improved with treatment. There was significantly less physical evidence of liver damage and scar tissue formation after treatment.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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