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Toxicity Profile of Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis

A Preliminary Survey

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Rheumaderm

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 455))

Abstract

A number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis attending the Rheumatology Clinic at St Luke’s Hospital are currently receiving the drug methotrexate as a second line disease—modifying agent. A survey has been conducted to assess the toxicity profile of methotrexate in 33 of these patients who were followed up for at least 1 year or until they developed side effects necessitating discontinuation of treatment.

Adverse effects in this group of patients included haematological ones (6%), asymptomatic elevations of liver enzymes (57%), gastrointestinal (6%) and dermatological side effects (3%). These results have been compared to larger studies performed abroad. Regular monitoring of a complete blood count and liver function tests has helped to detect the more serious side effects of methotrexate at an early stage enabling successful intervention in these patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, St. Luke’s Hospital, Malta, USA

    B. Coleiro & Dr. C. Mallia

Authors
  1. B. Coleiro
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  2. Dr. C. Mallia
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Correspondence to C. Mallia .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. St. Luke’s Hospital, University of Malta Medical School, Malta, USA

    Carmel Mallia

  2. Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson Universit, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Jouni Uitto

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© 1999 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Coleiro, B., Mallia, C. (1999). Toxicity Profile of Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis. In: Mallia, C., Uitto, J. (eds) Rheumaderm. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 455. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4857-7_55

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4857-7_55

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-7203-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-4857-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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