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2 March 1999 | Volume 130 Issue 5 | Pages 422-426
Background: Takayasu arteritis is a rare form of chronic inflammatory disease of the large arterial vessels. Some patients do not respond to steroids or immunosuppressant drugs.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of mycophenolate mofetil in patients with severe Takayasu arteritis.
Design: Case series.
Setting: Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases in Bergamo, Italy.
Patients: Three patients with Takayasu arteritis.
Intervention: Mycophenolate mofetil (2 g/d) given orally in two divided doses.
Measurements: Clinical evaluation and assessment of leukocyte counts were done weekly. Vascular lesions were assessed by using Doppler ultrasonography.
Results: All patients showed clinical benefit, and two resumed work after months of inactivity. Patients were also able to taper and discontinue steroid use. Mycophenolate mofetil was well tolerated, and no signs of toxicity were observed.
Conclusions: Mycophenolate mofetil may be an alternative to steroids and cytotoxic agents in patients with Takayasu arteritis. Before results of controlled trials become available, mycophenolate mofetil should be considered only for patients who do not improve or stabilize with conventional therapy.
Author and Article Information
From Mario Negri Institute and Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy.
Acknowledgments: The authors thank Dr. Giovanni Lorenzi for performing Doppler ultrasonography measurements and Ms. Laura Arioli for preparing the manuscript.
Requests for Reprints: Arrigo Schieppati, MD, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, via Gavazzeni 11, 24125 Bergamo, Italy.
Current Author Addresses: Drs. Daina, Schieppati, and Remuzzi: Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, via Gavazzeni 11, 24125 Bergamo, Italy. BRIEF COMMUNICATION
Mycophenolate Mofetil for the Treatment of Takayasu Arteritis: Report of Three Cases
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