Recombinant interferon-γ in the treatment of systemic sclerosis☆

Abstract

Purpose Recombinant interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a potent and selective inhibitor of collagen production by dermal fibroblasts in vitro and has numerous immunoregulatory activities. We assessed the effects of recombinant IFN-γ in the treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis. Patients and methods Ten patients entered the study and nine completed the six-month study period. Recombinant IFN-γ was administered once daily for seven days per week by intramuscular injections: 10 μg/day for 10 days, 25 μg/day for 10 days, 50 μg/day for 10 days, and 100 μg/day for the next five months. Results After the six-month treatment period, a significant improvement, as compared with baseline values, was observed in total skin score, maximal oral opening, range of motion of wrists and elbows, grip strength, functional index, dysphagia, and creatinine clearance. No serious side effects were observed; however, a significant decrease in white blood cell counts and in peripheral blood lymphocytes was noted. Conclusion These results suggest that recombinant IFN-γ may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis. Recombinant interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a potent and selective inhibitor of collagen production by dermal fibroblasts in vitro and has numerous immunoregulatory activities. We assessed the effects of recombinant IFN-γ in the treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis. Ten patients entered the study and nine completed the six-month study period. Recombinant IFN-γ was administered once daily for seven days per week by intramuscular injections: 10 μg/day for 10 days, 25 μg/day for 10 days, 50 μg/day for 10 days, and 100 μg/day for the next five months. After the six-month treatment period, a significant improvement, as compared with baseline values, was observed in total skin score, maximal oral opening, range of motion of wrists and elbows, grip strength, functional index, dysphagia, and creatinine clearance. No serious side effects were observed; however, a significant decrease in white blood cell counts and in peripheral blood lymphocytes was noted. These results suggest that recombinant IFN-γ may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis.