EFFECT OF AGE ON THE EFFICACY AND TOLERANCE OF METHOTREXATE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of ageon the efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis.Four hundred and sixty-nine patients were separated accordingto the age of onset of methotrexate treatment; before 65 yr(group l, n = 416) and after 65 yr (group 2, n = 53). No differencewas found in the evolution of clinical and biological parametersbetween the two groups. The number of patients in remissionat the end of the study was equal. The frequency and type ofside-effects were similar. No significant difference was foundin the frequency and reasons for methotrexate withdrawal. Wenoted a trend towards lower therapeutic maintenance of methotrexatewhen prescribed after the age of 65 yr (P = 0.07, actuarialmethod). In conclusion, the age at initiation of methotrexatetreatment probably did not influence its efficacy and toxicityin rheumatoid arthritis. KEY WORDS: Methotrexate, Age, Efficacy, Tolerance, Rheumatoid arthritis