Pulsed high-dose corticosteroids combined with low-dose methotrexate in severe localized scleroderma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of pulsed high-dose corticosteroids combined with orally administered low-dose methotrexate therapy in patients with severe localized scleroderma (LS).

DESIGN: A prospective, nonrandomized, open pilot study.

SETTING: Dermatology department at a university hospital in Bochum, Germany. Patients Fifteen patients with histologically confirmed severe LS. Interventions Oral methotrexate (15 mg/wk) combined with pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone (1000 mg for 3 days monthly) for at least 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Treatment outcome was evaluated by means of a clinical score, 20-MHz ultrasonography, and histopathologic analysis. Safety assessment included the monitoring of adverse effects and clinical laboratory parameters.

RESULTS: One patient discontinued therapy. In most of the remaining 14 patients, significant elimination of all signs of active disease (inflammation) and remarkable softening of formerly affected sclerotic skin that resulted in a decrease of the mean +/- SD clinical score from 10.9 +/- 5.3 at the beginning to 5.5 +/- 2.5 at the end of therapy was observed (P < .001). Clinical improvement was confirmed by histologic and ultrasonographic assessments. No serious adverse effects were noted.

CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that pulsed high-dose corticosteroids combined with orally administered low-dose methotrexate therapy is beneficial and safe in the treatment of patients with LS. This treatment regimen should especially be considered for severe forms of LS in which conventional treatments have failed.