Long-term sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim in Wegener's granulomatosis.

Since 1985, a number of reports have highlighted the effectiveness of a short course of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim as an adjuvant to immunosuppressive drugs in the treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis. We report our experience with long-term sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim therapy in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. We describe recent advances in the pathogenesis of Wegener's granulomatosis, suggest a complementary mechanism of action of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and advocate long-term sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim therapy as a treatment option in Wegener's granulomatosis.