title: Aspirin, hydroxychloroquine, and hepatic enzyme abnormalities with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis from 5 centers involved in the Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Aging Medical Information System were correlated with the use of specific antirheumatic medications. Elevated levels of SGOT and SGPT were most frequent in patients taking salicylates and methotrexate (MTX) and least frequent in patients taking hydroxychloroquine. The combination of MTX and salicylates greatly increased the frequency of abnormal liver enzyme values. In contrast, the addition of hydroxychloroquine to a regimen of either MTX or aspirin essentially eliminated the SGOT and SGPT abnormalities. Results from all 5 centers were consistent and remained so after adjustment for age, sex, and disease duration. Knowledge of these important drug interactions may permit continuation of MTX therapy in patients in whom the drug might otherwise be discontinued.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Fries
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lenert
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Furst
mesh_terms: D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002170:Canada; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D006886:Hydroxychloroquine; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D001241:Aspirin; D008727:Methotrexate