Mycophenolate mofetil in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease

Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Oct;29(10):1167-8. doi: 10.1007/s10067-010-1498-z. Epub 2010 Jun 10.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of mofetil mycophenolate (MMF), an inhibitor of lymphocyte proliferation, on lung function and skin in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical files of 10 patients with SSc-ILD (eight females, 10 patients with diffuse SSc; mean age, 59.7 +/- 12.7 years; disease duration, 7.7 +/- 4.7 years). Patients were treated with MMF (2 g/day) for 12 months. Lung function tests and the modified Rodnan total skin score (mRTSS) were assessed at baseline and at 12 months. Results were analyzed by paired Student's t test. There was a significant increase in forced vital capacity and a nonsignificant increase in carbon monoxide diffusing capacity at 12 months in patients on MMF (p = 0.04 and 0.66, respectively). There was no effect on mRTSS. MMF stabilizes lung function of SSc-ILD after 12 months of treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / complications
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / drug therapy*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vital Capacity

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mycophenolic Acid