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Quan Soon KL, Shah S, Ibrahim R, Alzwahereh K. A Case Report on Iatrogenic Methotrexate Toxicity. Cureus 2024; 16:e64081. [PMID: 39114248 PMCID: PMC11305145 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This case study studies the adverse effects of methotrexate toxicity as well as the importance of early recognition of the symptoms and signs of methotrexate toxicity. This study involves a 54-year-old female who accidentally took methotrexate in high doses for a period of five consecutively days. The patient had been diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease and was being treated with methotrexate once weekly. However, she took 7.5 mg (three tablets) three times a day for five days instead of 15 mg once weekly in two divided doses. The patient immediately went to the ER but was asymptomatic and discharged after a CBC showed values within the normal range. The patient was then seen by her primary care physician and advised to return to the ER. At this time, the patient had mucocutaneous lesions and was complaining of oral and throat pain, and a repeat CBC demonstrated pancytopenia. The patient was admitted to the hospital for further management and treatment of methotrexate toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sundeep Shah
- Internal Medicine, Premier Medical Associates, The Villages, USA
| | - Ramy Ibrahim
- Research, Premier Medical Associates, The Villages, USA
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2
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C Barros TR, Ribeiro YP, Oliveira VC, A Lopes M. A Case of Severe Organ Dysfunction and Skin Lesions Due to Methotrexate Toxicity. Cureus 2024; 16:e60008. [PMID: 38854245 PMCID: PMC11162511 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate is an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drug, widely used for moderate to severe psoriasis and other rheumatological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, besides some types of malignancies. Side effects are more prevalent in high acute doses but can also be seen in low-dose chronic use, especially in cases of drug-dosing errors. Possible symptoms of toxicity include gastrointestinal, hepatic, hematologic and renal dysfunctions, but may also include mucositis and worsening of the psoriatic lesions. Here, we describe a case involving methotrexate toxicity in an elderly patient with psoriasis, detailing the management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marcela A Lopes
- Critical Care, Hospital e Maternidade Salvalus, São Paulo, BRA
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3
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Hosseini E, Shahbazi F. Methotrexate-induced Severe Pancytopenia in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Curr Drug Saf 2024; 19:224-235. [PMID: 37194235 DOI: 10.2174/1574886318666230516115737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Toxicity associated with low doses of methotrexate (MTX) is low, but it may be fatal. Bone marrow suppression and mucositis are among the common side effects of low dose MTX toxicity. Different risk factors have been reported for toxicities associated with low doses of MTX, including accidental use of higher doses, renal dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, and polypharmacy. In this paper, we present a female patient who had mistakenly used 7.5 mg of MTX daily instead of the same dose of MTX on Thursday and Friday. She was presented with mucositis and diarrhea to the emergency department. Moreover, we searched the databases Scopus and PubMed for available studies and case reports on toxicities associated with MTX dosing errors. The most frequently observed toxicities included gastrointestinal lesions, nausea, vomiting, skin lesions, and bone marrow suppression. Leucovorin, hydration, and urine alkalinization were among the most frequently used treatments. Finally, we summarize the data on the toxicities of low doses of MTX in different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hosseini
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Foroud Shahbazi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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4
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Musameh I, Al-Bakri F, Ezzeldin A. Low serum level and chronic toxicity for methotrexate. Case Report. Qatar Med J 2023; 2023:31. [PMID: 38026729 PMCID: PMC10644175 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2023.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist used to treat different immunological or proliferative illnesses because of its anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. MTX Toxicity is considered a severe problem. Although acute toxicity related to high-dose administration (doses ≥500 mg/m2) can be predicted based on the given dose, chronic toxicity still has no specific factors to predict it, so treatment depends on the history and symptoms of toxicity. MTX was initially used for oncology indications with high cyclic doses, then expanded to non-oncology indications with different low doses and frequencies. This significant change in doses resulted in dosing errors that contributed to MTX toxicity reports. Measures to prevent the toxicity of MTX should be implemented. CASE A 66-year-old female patient ingested 10 mg of MTX daily for one month instead of the once-toxicity symptoms. The serum level of MTX was requested, and treatment with folinic acid was initiated until the patient improved with the discontinuation of MTX. DISCUSSION There is limited literature about the lack the total cumulative dose, duration of intake, or serum level of MTX. All this information was provided in this case report, but drug-drug interactions were not reviewed, although aspirin and pantoprazole were identified as having interactions with methotrexate in this patient. Minimum total cumulative dose identification may help assess the toxicity risk in such patients. CONCLUSION Low-dose MTX chronic toxicity still needs further information to guide the patient's risk of toxicity and when to initiate treatment. Safety-practical measures should be implemented to prevent such administration errors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Faten Al-Bakri
- Emergency Department, Hamad General Hospital, Qatar E-mail:
| | - Asmaa Ezzeldin
- Clinical Pharmacy Service, Hamad General Hospital, Qatar
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Abosrea AM, Aboul Ezz HS, Mahmoud SM, Mousa MR, Ahmed NA. The potential role of pumpkin seeds oil on methotrexate-induced lung toxicity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7321. [PMID: 37147356 PMCID: PMC10162995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many chemotherapeutic drugs cause adverse pulmonary reactions leading to severe pulmonary disease. Though methotrexate (MTX) is used for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, it is highly toxic with multiple adverse effects including pulmonary toxicity. Essential oils represent an open frontier for pharmaceutical sciences due to their wide range of pharmacological properties. Pumpkin seeds oil (PSO) was used to investigate its ability to alleviate methotrexate-induced lung toxicity in rats. Lung tissue from MTX-treated group revealed a decrease in malondialdehyde, glutathione, and nitric oxide accompanied by a marked inhibition in cholinesterase activity, and enhanced catalase activity, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels. Analysis of PSO revealed that the oil was rich in hexadecanoic acid, decane methyl esters, squalene, polydecane, docosane, and other derivatives. Administration of PSO ameliorated the oxidant/antioxidant and proinflammatory changes induced by MTX in the lung tissue. Histological examinations confirmed the potency of PSO in reducing the histopathological alterations induced by MTX. Immunohistochemical analysis showed decreased nuclear factor-kappa B and caspase 3 expression after PSO. The present data indicated the protective efficiency of PSO against MTX-induced lung injury by decreasing oxidative damage, inflammation and apoptosis and could thus be recommended as an adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya M Abosrea
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heba S Aboul Ezz
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Sahar M Mahmoud
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed R Mousa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nawal A Ahmed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Punicalagin Protects against the Development of Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice via Activating Nrf2 Signaling and Decreasing Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012334. [PMID: 36293191 PMCID: PMC9604463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its effectiveness in treating inflammatory diseases and various malignancies, methotrexate (MTX) is well known to cause hepatotoxicity, which involves increased oxidative stress and inflammation, limiting its clinical use. Herein, we looked into the effect of punicalagin (PU), a polyphenolic molecule having a variety of health-promoting attributes, on MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. PU (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) was given orally to the mice for 10 days, while a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) at day 7. The MTX-induced liver damage was demonstrated by remarkably higher transaminases (ALT and AST), ALP, and LDH, as well as significant histological alterations in hepatic tissues. MTX-injected mice also demonstrated increases in hepatic oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), with a concordant drop in glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. PU significantly attenuated the MTX-induced serum transaminases, ALP and LDH elevations, and hepatic oxidative stress measures and boosted antioxidant defenses in the liver. Moreover, the liver of MTX-treated mice showed increases in NF-κB p65 expression, pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) levels, and pro-apoptotic protein (caspase-3 and Bax) expression, whereas Bcl-2 and Nrf2 expressions were reduced, which were all attenuated by PU treatment. Collectively, PU inhibits oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis and upregulates Nrf2 in the liver of MTX-induced mice. Thus, these findings suggest that PU may have great therapeutic potential for the prevention of MTX-induced hepatotoxicity, pending further exploration in upcoming studies.
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Singh GK, Sapra D, Bahuguna A, Das P. Methotrexate toxicity in psoriasis – a multicentric retrospective study. Dermatol Ther 2022; 35:e15765. [DOI: 10.1111/dth.15765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Devyani Sapra
- Department of Dermatology Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt New Delhi
| | - Amit Bahuguna
- Department of Dermatology Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt New Delhi
| | - Pankaj Das
- Department of Dermatology Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt New Delhi
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Galactomannan armed superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as a folate receptor targeted multi-functional theranostic agent in the management of cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:740-753. [PMID: 35907463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) represent a versatile class of theranostics with profound applications in biomedicine. An eco-friendly modification of SPIONs was attempted with a 110 kDa galactomannan (PSP001) isolated from the fruit rind of Punica granatum. The PSP001 appended SPIONs favor unique advantages including tumor-targeted accumulation and improved biocompatibility. The antineoplastic agent methotrexate (MTX) was covalently attached with the galactomannan in the SPIONs to yield PSP-IO NPs that demonstrated a reduction-sensitive drug release kinetics favoring MTX accumulation selectively in the tumor cells. Folate receptor (FR) targeted cancer cell uptake followed by the stimuli-responsive release of the payload favored improved biocompatibility and lack of toxicity in BALB/c mice. Superior tumor reduction capacity with marked survival benefits was observed in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing solid tumor mice. Phantom imaging of the carrier (PSP-IO) and the drug-loaded (PSP-IO-MTX NPs) nano-constructs generated an r2 relaxivity of 335.3 mM-1 S-1 and 333.79 mM-1 S-1 respectively indicating the remarkable contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which was confirmed in syngraft and xenograft murine models. It is worth mentioning that PSP-IO-MTX NPs with a facile fabrication process offered an affordable nano-theranostic agent for targeted concurrent MR imaging and FR-mediated targeted tumor therapy favoring bed-side applications.
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Ghannoum M, Roberts DM, Goldfarb DS, Heldrup J, Anseeuw K, Galvao TF, Nolin TD, Hoffman RS, Lavergne V, Meyers P, Gosselin S, Botnaru T, Mardini K, Wood DM. Extracorporeal Treatment for Methotrexate Poisoning: Systematic Review and Recommendations from the EXTRIP Workgroup. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 17:602-622. [PMID: 35236714 PMCID: PMC8993465 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.08030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Methotrexate is used in the treatment of many malignancies, rheumatological diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. Toxicity from use is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Rescue treatments include intravenous hydration, folinic acid, and, in some centers, glucarpidase. We conducted systematic reviews of the literature following published EXtracorporeal TReatments In Poisoning (EXTRIP) methods to determine the utility of extracorporeal treatments in the management of methotrexate toxicity. The quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations (either "strong" or "weak/conditional") were graded according to the GRADE approach. A formal voting process using a modified Delphi method assessed the level of agreement between panelists on the final recommendations. A total of 92 articles met inclusion criteria. Toxicokinetic data were available on 90 patients (89 with impaired kidney function). Methotrexate was considered to be moderately dialyzable by intermittent hemodialysis. Data were available for clinical analysis on 109 patients (high-dose methotrexate [>0.5 g/m2]: 91 patients; low-dose [≤0.5 g/m2]: 18). Overall mortality in these publications was 19.5% and 26.7% in those with high-dose and low-dose methotrexate-related toxicity, respectively. Although one observational study reported lower mortality in patients treated with glucarpidase compared with those treated with hemodialysis, there were important limitations in the study. For patients with severe methotrexate toxicity receiving standard care, the EXTRIP workgroup: (1) suggested against extracorporeal treatments when glucarpidase is not administered; (2) recommended against extracorporeal treatments when glucarpidase is administered; and (3) recommended against extracorporeal treatments instead of administering glucarpidase. The quality of evidence for these recommendations was very low. Rationales for these recommendations included: (1) extracorporeal treatments mainly remove drugs in the intravascular compartment, whereas methotrexate rapidly distributes into cells; (2) extracorporeal treatments remove folinic acid; (3) in rare cases where fast removal of methotrexate is required, glucarpidase will outperform any extracorporeal treatment; and (4) extracorporeal treatments do not appear to reduce the incidence and magnitude of methotrexate toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ghannoum
- Research Center, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'île-de-Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Darren M. Roberts
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David S. Goldfarb
- Nephrology Division, NYU Langone Health and NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jesper Heldrup
- Childhood Cancer and Research Unit, University Children’s Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kurt Anseeuw
- Department of Emergency Medicine, ZNA Stuivenberg, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tais F. Galvao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thomas D. Nolin
- Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, and Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert S. Hoffman
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Valery Lavergne
- Research Center, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'île-de-Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Meyers
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sophie Gosselin
- Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CISSS) de la Montérégie-Centre Emergency Department, Hôpital Charles-Lemoyne, Greenfield Park, Quebec, McGill University Emergency Department, Montreal, Quebec and Centre Antipoison du Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tudor Botnaru
- Emergency Department, Lakeshore General Hospital, CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'lle-de-Montreal, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Karine Mardini
- Pharmacy Department, Verdun Hospital, CIUSSS du Sud-Ouest-de-l’ïle-de-Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David M. Wood
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s Health Partners, London, United Kingdom
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Katturajan R, S V, Rasool M, Evan Prince S. Molecular toxicity of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis treatment: A novel perspective and therapeutic implications. Toxicology 2021; 461:152909. [PMID: 34453959 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory systematic complication which is a chronic disorder that severely affects bones and joints and results in the quality of life impairment. Methotrexate (MTX), an FDA-approved drug has maintained the standard of care for treating patients affected with RA. The mechanism of MTX includes the inhibition of purine and pyrimidine synthesis, suppression of polyamine accumulation, promotion of adenosine release, adhesion of the inflammatory molecules, and controlling of cytokine cascade in RA. The recommended dose for RA patients is 5-25 mg of MTX per week, depending on the severity of the disease but MTX has proven to be cytotoxic with side effects affecting various tissues when treating RA patients even with low doses over a prolonged period of time. The mechanism of such toxicity is not entirely understood. This review strives to understand it by correlating the different pathways, including MTX in folate metabolism, Sirt1/Nrf2/γ-gcs, and γ-gcs/CaSR-TNF-α/NF-kB signaling. In addition to this, the importance of targeted therapy combination with MTX on RA treatment and combinations approved from the clinical trials are also briefly discussed. Overall, this review elucidates the various MTX molecular mechanisms and toxicity at the molecular level, the limitations, and the scope for future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Katturajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vijayalakshmi S
- Department of English, School of Social Sciences and Languages, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mahabookhan Rasool
- Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Asghar M, Shoaib H, Kang W, Tariq I, Chatterjee T. Methotrexate Toxicity: A Simple Solution to a Complex Problem. Cureus 2021; 13:e14364. [PMID: 33972915 PMCID: PMC8106237 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate is a highly effective medication that is the mainstay of treatment for numerous complex dermatological and rheumatological disorders. However, its use requires close monitoring as it has serious side effects that could be fatal if not recognized promptly. Herein, we present an interesting case of methotrexate toxicity leading to a prolonged hospital stay with resultant increase in health care cost and patient dissatisfaction. It remains of pivotal importance for primary care physicians and hospitalists to be aware of its side effect profile. As such, early recognition of methotrexate toxicity can result in earlier initiation of goal-directed therapies, leading to improved outcomes and shorter hospital stay. Patient education and effective communication between health care providers and the patient are of utmost importance in ensuring patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asghar
- Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, USA
| | - Hasan Shoaib
- Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, USA
| | - Woosun Kang
- Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, USA
| | - Irfa Tariq
- Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, PAK
| | - Tulika Chatterjee
- Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, USA
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Jara-Palacios MA, Chun W, Traub NL. Potential contributors to low dose methotrexate toxicity in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and pernicious anemia: case report. BMC Rheumatol 2021; 5:5. [PMID: 33573706 PMCID: PMC7879510 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-020-00175-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low dose methotrexate toxicity rarely occurs, but may present with severe complications, such as pancytopenia, hepatotoxicity, mucositis, and pneumonitis. Known risk factors for methotrexate toxicity include dosing errors, metabolic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia, renal dysfunction, lack of folate supplementation, and the concomitant use of drugs that interfere with methotrexate metabolism. Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia and may cause pancytopenia, but its role in methotrexate toxicity has not been described. Case presentation We present a case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who was admitted with febrile neutropenia, pancytopenia, and severe mucositis, likely secondary to low dose methotrexate toxicity. She had multiple factors that potentially contributed to the development of toxicity, including concurrent sulfasalazine use for rheumatoid arthritis. An evaluation of the patient’s macrocytic anemia revealed pernicious anemia. The patient’s illness resolved with cessation of methotrexate and sulfasalazine, leucovorin treatment and vitamin B12 repletion. Conclusions This case illustrates the multiple factors that may potentially contribute to low dose methotrexate toxicity and highlights the importance of testing for vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatoid arthritis patients with macrocytic anemia. Addressing all the modifiable factors that potentially contribute to low dose methotrexate toxicity may improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William Chun
- Department of Internal Medicine, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nomi L Traub
- Department of Internal Medicine, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Magdy E, Ali S. Stratification of methotrexate-induced oral ulcers in rheumatoid arthritis patients. SPECIAL CARE IN DENTISTRY 2021; 41:367-371. [PMID: 33559176 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM There is a deficiency in the data concerning the clinical forms of methotrexate-induced oral ulcers. This study was conducted to stratify clinical forms of methotrexate-induced oral ulcers in rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHODS This study included rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving methotrexate as monotherapy. All eligible patients were subjected to thorough clinical examination and full history to identify oral events. Drug history, dose, and duration of MTX were recorded. RESULTS Among 794 rheumatoid arthritis patients, mean methotrexate dose and duration were 14.3 mg/week and 5.2 years, respectively. Oral ulcers were detected in 6.2% of the patients and 30% of the patients reported previous oral ulcers. Among the detected oral ulcers, 44.9% manifested as deep irregular ulcers, 30.6% presented as aphthous-like ulcers, 14.3% were diffuse mucositis, and 10.2% appeared as lichenoid reaction. CONCLUSION Methotrexate-induced oral ulceration could be localized or generalized. Localized forms were more noticed than generalized forms. Higher doses and longer durations of methotrexate were detected among patients with generalized oral ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Magdy
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Beni-suef University, Beni-suef, Egypt
| | - Shereen Ali
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Damayanti D, Pratiwi KD, Nugroho WT. Profile of Psoriasis Vulgaris Patients Treated with Methotrexate at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, 2017–2018. JURNAL BERKALA EPIDEMIOLOGI 2021. [DOI: 10.20473/jbe.v9i12021.70-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis Vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects patients’ quality of life. Methotrexate is the first-line and most effective systemic therapy in psoriasis vulgaris management. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical improvement after methotrexate therapy and any adverse effects of methotrexate therapy in psoriasis vulgaris management. Methods: The data for this descriptive, retrospective study were retrieved from the medical records of 22 psoriasis vulgaris patients who were treated with methotrexate therapy between January 2017 and June 2018 in the Child Kemuning Ward (IRNA), Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in Surabaya, East Java. Results: Data for a total of 22 subjects were collected for this study. The majority of the subjects were in the age group 25–59, and the average age was 40.50±17.20. Good clinical improvement (decrease in the body surface area of the lesion) was found in all patients. The adverse effects of methotrexate were evaluated based on the elevation of liver and renal function test levels. An elevation of aspartate aminotransferase levels was found in 11 patients, and an elevation in alanine aminotransferase levels was found in 13 patients. Elevated blood urea nitrogen levels were found in eight patients, and elevated serum creatinine levels were found in four patients. Conclusion: Methotrexate is an effective treatment for severe psoriasis vulgaris management when administered with careful selection and regular monitoring of patients. Application of methotrexate therapy in accordance with the guidelines remains suitable for psoriasis vulgaris management with vigilance regarding methotrexate’s adverse effects.
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Westover R, Micciche AF, Malley CK, Pizon AF. A Rational, Evidence-Based Approach to Methotrexate Poisoning. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40138-020-00223-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abdel-Wahab BA, Ali FEM, Alkahtani SA, Alshabi AM, Mahnashi MH, Hassanein EHM. Hepatoprotective effect of rebamipide against methotrexate-induced hepatic intoxication: role of Nrf2/GSK-3β, NF-κβ-p65/JAK1/STAT3, and PUMA/Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathways. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2020; 42:493-503. [PMID: 32865051 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2020.1811307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The fact that methotrexate (MTX) is hepatotoxic is an important reason to limit its clinical use. Rebamipide (REB) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is useful for the treatment of gastro-duodenal ulcers. This study investigated the impact and protective mechanisms of REB against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Animals were divided into four groups of six rats each: a control group, REB group (REB 100 mg/kg/day, orally), MTX control group (20 mg/kg, single i.p.), and MTX + REB group. RESULTS The administration of MTX induced marked hepatic injury in the form of hepatocyte inflammatory swelling, degeneration, apoptosis, and focal necrosis. In parallel, our biochemical investigations revealed a marked hepatic dysfunction associated with the disturbance of the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the group treated with only MTX. Moreover, MTX led to the down-regulation of the hepatic Nrf2 and Bcl-2 expressions along with a marked elevation in the hepatic NF-κβ-p65, GSK-3β, JAK1, STAT3, PUMA, and Bax expressions. On the other hand, co-treatment with REB significantly ameliorated the aforementioned histopathological, biochemical, and molecular defects caused by MTX treatment. CONCLUSION the outcomes of the present study showed REB's ability to protect from hepatic injury induced by MTX, possibly through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. These effects could be attributed to REB's ability to modulate, at least in part, the Nrf2/GSK-3β,NF-κβ-p65/JAK1/STAT3, and PUMA/Bax/Bcl-2signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basel A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Saad A Alkahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Alshabi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mater H Mahnashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
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