PMID: 69828Jul 30, 1977Paper

Levamisole-induced immunostimulation in spondylarthropathies

Lancet
K M GoebelF Neurath

Abstract

The term "seronegative spondylarthritis" (S.S.A.) has been assigned to rheumatic disorders with closely related clinical features, defined by seronegativity and HLA-B27 phenotype. Its pathogenesis may be linked with a genetically controlled defective immune response. Therefore, 37 men with S.S.A. were treated with levamisole (150 mg/day, 3 days/wk) to stimulate the immune reactions. In a randomised controlled crossover study these patients also received a placebo; each period ran for 12 wk. Symptomatic therapy was continued through the entire 6 mo. Serious side-effects led to withdrawal of the active drug in 9 patients. Clinical response was measured in terms of a cumulative joint index, spondylometry, morning stiffness, and a pain scale. Treatment with levamisole resulted in a significant improvement in these parameters. Radiological evidence of sacroiliitis was present in 48.6% before and after levamisole, and joint scanning with 99Tc-pyrophosphate also revealed no progress in the disease. After levamisole treatment, IgM levels fell significantly (P less than 0-014). Likewise, the previously high percentage of antibodies with weak cytotoxic activity against lymphocytes was reduced after levamisole (P less than 0-049), and an ...Continue Reading

References

Feb 21, 1976·Lancet·E C HuskissonD A Willoughby
Apr 10, 1976·Lancet·E M VeysP Gabriel
May 15, 1976·Lancet·I A Williams
Dec 1, 1976·Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases·G JoliatH Ott

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Citations

Dec 1, 1978·Klinische Wochenschrift·K L SchmidtH Breithaupt
Nov 14, 1987·Lancet
Aug 8, 1981·British Medical Journal·S M Gore
Aug 1, 1991·Baillière's Clinical Rheumatology·R Laurent
Jan 1, 1980·Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology·O ScherakG Kolarz
Jul 1, 1979·The British Journal of Surgery·R WindleP R Bell

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