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Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17e
| Part 14. Endocrinology and Metabolism > |
Relapsing Polychondritis: Treatment
Sections: Relapsing
Polychondritis: Treatment.
Topics Discussed: pharmacotherapy of immunologic disorders; polychondritis, relapsing.
Excerpt:
"In patients with active chondritis, prednisone, 40–60 mg/d, is often effective in suppressing disease activity; it is tapered gradually once disease is controlled. In some patients, prednisone can be stopped, while in others low doses in the range of 10–15 mg/d are required for continued suppression of disease. Dapsone instead of prednisone has been effective in suppressing inflammation in some patients. Immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, or cyclosporine should be reserved for patients who fail to respond to prednisone or who require high doses for control of disease activity. Patients with significant ocular inflammation often require intraocular steroids as well as high doses of prednisone. Heart valve replacement or repair of an aortic aneurysm may be necessary. When obstruction is severe, tracheostomy is required. Stents may be necessary in patients with tracheobronchial collapse...."
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