The PREDMETH trial: Effectiveness of methotrexate versus prednisone as first-line therapy for pulmonary sarcoidosis – A randomized controlled trial

Who can take part

• Diagnosis of sarcoidosis according to the ATS/ERS/WASOG criteria (7), in case of absent histology a diagnosis of sarcoidosis can also be established in a multidisciplinary team meeting in a sarcoidosis expert center based on a highly suggestive clinical and radiological picture (18, 19)
• Age ≥18 years
• A pulmonary indication for treatment and parenchymal involvement on X-ray or CT-scan conducted within three months before inclusion (determined by the treating physician and conform current guidelines)
• A forced vital capacity (FVC) of ≤90% of predicted, or a diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≤70% of predicted, or ≥5% FVC decline/≥10% DLCO decline in the past year. For pulmonary functions tests GLI reference values are used

Who cannot take part

• Previous immunosuppressive treatment for sarcoidosis
• Any condition or circumstance that, in the opinion of the investigator, may make a subject unlikely or unable to complete the study or comply with study procedures
• Use of systemic immunosuppressive therapy within the preceding three months for another disease than sarcoidosis
• Contra-indication for methotrexate or corticosteroids: • severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min) • impaired hepatic function (serum bilirubin-value >5 mg/dl or 85,5 micromole/l) • bone marrow insufficiency with severe leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or anaemia • severe acute or chronic infections, such as tuberculosis, HIV, parasitic infections or other immunodeficiency syndromes • mouth, stomach or duodenal ulcers
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed during the study treatment or within 90 days after the last dose in the randomized study phase. For males; planning to pro-create during the study or within 90 days after the last dose of the randomized study phase