title: Liver biopsies in psoriatics--complications and evaluation.
abstract: Thirty-one liver biopsies were performed on twenty-two psoriatics on treatment or considered for treatment with methotrexate. Three developed serious morbidity after biopsy. Of twenty-one attempted pre-methotrexate biopsies, four were abnormal, and one failed. Five of ten post-methotrexate biopsies were abnormal. Histological abnormalities were mild and cirrhosis was not seen. Liver function tests were not found to be a reliable indicator of hepatic damage and it is felt that in spite of our relatively high complication rate, liver biopsy is a useful method for monitoring liver damage due to methotrexate and should be performed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D008727:Methotrexate