Table 2.
Physician-determined reasons for initial disease relapse after a period of disease inactivity in 35 pediatric localized scleroderma patients
| Reason for relapse based on physician reports | n (%) |
|---|---|
| Suspected Non-Compliance with Medication1 | 11 (31) |
| Completed Therapy, Off Medication in Remission | 11 (31) |
| Breakthrough on Systemic Treatment* | 5 (14) |
| Undergoing Medication Taper | 4 (11) |
| Medication Withdrawn due to Toxicity¥ | 2 (6) |
| Undetermined | 2 (6) |
1
The majority of patients with suspected noncompliance were noncompliant with methotrexate monotherapy (9/11).
*
7 while on methotrexate monotherapy and 7 while on methotrexate plus oral prednisone.
¥
Two patients developed elevated liver function tests while undergoing treatment with MTX requiring withdraw of therapy.