Liver cirrhosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with long-term methotrexate.
We undertook a retrospective review of all the liver biopsies done by us between 1985 and 1990 for the purpose of monitoring methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatotoxicity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A total of 29 biopsies were done in 25 patients. The mean total cumulative dose of MTX was 1585 +/- 348 (SD) mg. Average duration of MTX therapy was 31 +/- 9.8 mo (SD). Liver biopsy after accumulating 900 mg and 1200 mg MTX, respectively, in 2 obese diabetic patients showed evidence of cirrhosis. Obese diabetics may represent a subgroup of RA patients at risk for developing MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.
Minocha
A
A
Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
Dean
H A
HA
Pittsley
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D001706:Biopsy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D008727:Methotrexate