Short term efficacy of methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Methotrexate is easily administered, widely accepted by patients, and has a rapid therapeutic effect. With careful attention to known risk factors, such as alcoholism, diabetes, obesity, and renal disease, it is a useful agent for the treatment of refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although rheumatologists have been using methotrexate in the treatment of RA for some time, controlled studies have been needed to establish the safety and efficacy of this agent. This paper will review the findings of the Cooperating Clinics of the American Rheumatism Association, as well as other studies that have investigated the short term efficacy of methotrexate.