Transient increase of aminotransferases in RA patients treated with methotrexate.

Sixty-two patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were treated with methotrexate (MTX) for 3 months. Methotrexate was given orally in a single dose of 7.5-15.0 mg/week. At the onset of the treatment increased activity of aminotransferases has been observed. Eighteen patients (29%) displayed higher enzyme activity in the first 3 weeks. Despite the continuous drug administration the activity of aminotransferase became normal at week 12 in all but one patient. In this patient MTX had to be withdrawn.