Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
08:38
Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
Cyclosporine for rheumatoid arthritis
G Wells1, D Haguenauer, B Shea
1Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Room 3227, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1H 8M5. gawells@sprint.ca
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
Summary
Cyclosporine significantly reduces joint swelling and pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients within one year. However, more side effects were noted compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation.
- Current treatments aim to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.
- Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant, has been investigated for its potential in managing RA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of cyclosporine in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized and controlled clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Searched Cochrane Musculoskeletal Group trials register and Medline up to 1997.
- Included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing cyclosporine to placebo.
- Extracted data on joint counts, global assessments, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Main Results:
- Three trials with 318 patients were analyzed.
- Cyclosporine demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in tender and swollen joints (SMD -0.969).
- Improvements in pain and functional index were observed, alongside an increase in side effects.
Conclusions:
- Cyclosporine offers significant short-term clinical benefits for progressive rheumatoid arthritis.
- The drug effectively reduces inflammatory markers and improves patient-reported outcomes.
- Careful consideration of side effect profile is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...