Combined therapy of interferon alpha. 2b with cyclosporine and prednisolone in scleroderma versus methotrexate and prednisolone

ABSTRACT

Scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by widespread small vessels obliteration and fibrosis of the skin and multiple internal organs. No therapy is of proven value in scleroderma. To evaluate the value of combination of interferon alpha. 2b, cyclosporine and small dose of Prednisolone in the treatment of scleroderma. 46 patients with different histopathological phases of scleroderma were enrolled in this study. The patients was divided randomly in two groups. Group one was composed of 32 patients treated with interferon alpha. 2b 3MIU/day, cyclosporine 100mg/day and Prednisolone 10mg/day. Group two received methotrexate 10 mg/week with 15 mg Prednisolone / day. After one year follow up group one [who received interferon alpha. 2b, cyclosporine and Prednisolone] showed remarkable improvement in the shape of skin, tightness of skin and raynauds phenomena who used prednisolone plus methotrexate who did not show any improvement, in comparison with group two. Combined therapy of interferon alpha. 2b, cyclosporine and small dose of prednisolone could be useful therapy for patients with scleroderma