[Serum liver tests in patients treated with methotrexate. A retrospective analysis].

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate is one of the best systemic treatments for psoriasis. However it has significant adverse effects such as myelotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

AIM

To evaluate serum liver test in psoriatic patients treated with methotrexate.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective review of medical records of psoriatic patients treated with methotrexate between the years 2000 and 2005. All patients received a minimum of 7.5 mg weekly of methotrexate, for at least 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Sixty three patients were included. Mean cumulative dose of methotrexate was 576 mg. Thirty two percent had alterations in liver tests, but only 9% had values that duplicated the upper limit of normal range of aminotransferases or alkaline phosphatases or a serum bilirubin over 2 mg/dl. We did not find a direct relationship between the dose of methotrexate and the magnitude of liver test alterations. Only one patient exceeded 1.5 g as cumulative dose. A liver biopsy performed to him, did not show signs of fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study does not show a direct relationship between weekly doses, cumulated dose and length of treatment with methotrexate, and the degree of alteration of serum liver tests.