Systemic scleroderma. Multicenter trial of 1 year of treatment with recombinant interferon gamma
Hunzelmann, N.; Anders, S.; Fierlbeck, G.; Hein, R.; Herrmann, K.; Albrecht, M.; Bell, S.; Thur, J.; Muche, R.; Adelmann-Grill, B.; Wehner-Caroli, J.; Gaus, W.; Krieg, T.
Archives of Dermatology 133(5): 609-613
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-987X PMID: 9158414 Document Number: 479727
Objective: To confirm significant improvement of the skin score in systemic sclerosis by treatment with interferon gamma in a larger group of patients and to investigate on a molecular level the influence of interferon gamma on collagen type I messenger RNA expression. Design: Open, noncontrolled multicenter study. Setting: Five outpatient clinics specializing in the care of systemic scleroderma. Patients: Thirty-two patients suffering from the diffuse or limited form of systemic sclerosis and progressive disease were recruited; 20 patients finished the study. Intervention: Each patient received interferon gamma, 50 mu-g subcutaneously 3 times a week for 1 year. Main Outcome Measure: Skin score, collagen type I messenger RNA in skin biopsy specimens. Results: The patients who completed the study showed an unchanged median skin score after 1 year of therapy. In addition, similar collagen type I messenger RNA levels were detected in skin biopsy specimens taken from involved skin before and after therapy in these patients. Conclusions: Treatment of systemic scleroderma with interferon gamma is associated with stabilization of the skin score and lack of worsening of visceral involvement.