[Low-dose methotrexate therapy of rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly]

Two years results of methotrexate treatment (13 patients, 7.5-10 mg weekly dose) in elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis are reported in comparison to other therapies (10 patients, im. gold 50 mg weekly or per os steroid max. 10 mg daily). Clinical activity of rheumatoid arthritis was measured with standard rheumatological parameters whereas progression of the disease was defined by means of a radiological method. Methotrexate caused better clinical improvement and retarded progression to a greater extent than the other therapies. Methotrexate achieved its maximum effect during the first 6 months of therapy. Methotrexate was well tolerable. Long term applicability of low dose methotrexate treatment in elderly age is emphasized.