title: Methotrexate, rheumatoid arthritis and infection risk: what is the evidence?
abstract: Low-dose MTX administered weekly remains a mainstay in the therapy of RA. There is a belief amongst rheumatologists that RA patients taking MTX have both an increased risk and severity of infection. Here we review the published data on the risks of infection associated with the use of MTX in patients with RA and make some recommendations for managing MTX in patients with infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK. andrew.mcleantooke@nuth.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McLean-Tooke
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aldridge
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Waugh
authors.forename: Gavin P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Spickett
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kay
mesh_terms: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008727:Methotrexate