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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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Abouzahir H, Belhouss A, Benyaich H. Acute methotrexate toxicity in a patient with psoriasis: a case report. Pan Afr Med J 2024; 47:19. [PMID: 38524110 PMCID: PMC10957722 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.19.39012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aside from rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate is also used to treat cancer, psoriasis, and other diseases. Side effects with methotrexate are possible, as they are with any medication. This drug is extremely potent and has the potential to produce serious adverse effects. Those who use this medication need to be tracked often. We provide a case of a patient with psoriasis vulgaris who died due to methotrexate administration without proper dosage verification. A female patient in her forties had a history of psoriasis vulgaris of the lower limbs. Under treatment, she developed acute methotrexate toxicity. This drug was taken as an intramuscular injection per day in an infirmary without checking that the dose regimen prescribed was per week. She developed extensive bullous and pustular lesions associated with digestive signs related to generalized toxiderma. But at that point, she had septic shock, which led to her death a few weeks after the methotrexate injection. The medical responsibilities of the doctor, pharmacist, and nurse were discussed. To conclude, methotrexate is not a killer drug in most cases, but it can be extremely harmful if it's overused. Acute toxicity is a potentially fatal condition, and a deeper understanding of its potential toxicity is still necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind Abouzahir
- Medico-Legal Institute, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco
- University Hassan II, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Belhouss
- Medico-Legal Institute, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco
- University Hassan II, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hicham Benyaich
- Medico-Legal Institute, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco
- University Hassan II, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Casablanca, Morocco
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Lysen T, Karimi L, Wang M, Singh S, Toussi M. Impact of European Union label changes to avoid inadvertent use of medicinal products containing methotrexate for once-weekly administration: A survey amongst prescribers, pharmacists and patients on awareness, knowledge, and behaviour. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e5692. [PMID: 37661305 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the effectiveness of risk minimisation measures (RMM) to avoid inadvertent daily instead of weekly methotrexate (MTX) use, introduced by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) from 2019 onwards. METHODS Using a cross-sectional online survey in France, Greece, Germany, Poland, and Sweden in 2022, we assessed awareness, knowledge, and self-declared behaviour for respondents who prescribed, dispensed, or used once-weekly MTX in the last 3 months. Respondents' answers were considered as 'successful' with regards to RMM effectiveness (vs. unsuccessful) if they provided correct ('desirable') responses to 100% of questions regarding awareness and self-declared behaviour and correct responses to ≥80% of questions about knowledge. Per target population, an outcome was considered successful if achieved by ≥80% of respondents. Effectiveness of RMM was defined by ≥80% being successful on all outcomes. RESULTS One-hundred-fifty-one prescribers, 150 pharmacists, and 150 patients completed the survey. Success rates were 56% (95% CI 48.0%-64.3%) for awareness, 42% (95% CI 34.4%-50.7%) for knowledge, and 31% (95% CI 23.8%-39.2%) for self-declared behaviour among prescribers, 18% (95% CI 12.8%-25.8%) for awareness, 7% (95% CI 3.7%-12.7%) for knowledge, and 50% (95% CI 41.7%-58.3%) for self-declared behaviour among pharmacists, and 29% (95% CI 21.6%-36.6%) for awareness, and 3% (95% CI 1.1%-7.6%) for knowledge among patients. Overall success was not attained by any target population. CONCLUSIONS RMM were evaluated as not effective across outcomes of awareness, knowledge, and self-declared behaviour in prescribers, pharmacists, and patients. Findings suggested we need continued efforts for RMM across all target populations and across all outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thom Lysen
- IQVIA Solutions B.V, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Orfali RL, Lorenzini D, Bressan A, Tanaka AA, Cerqueira AMMD, Hirayama ADS, Ramos AMC, Proença CC, Silva CMDR, Laczynski CMM, Carneiro FR, Duarte G, Hans Filho G, Gonçalves HDS, Melo LPD, Azulay-Abulafia L, Weber MB, Rivitti-Machado MC, Zaniboni MC, Ogawa M, Pires MC, Ianhez M, Felix PAO, Bonamigo R, Takaoka R, Lazzarini R, Cestari S, Mayor SAS, Cestari T, Oliveira ZNPD, Spuls PI, Gerbens LAA, Aoki V. Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis ‒ Brazilian Society of Dermatology: an update on phototherapy and systemic therapy using e-Delphi technique. An Bras Dermatol 2023; 98:814-836. [PMID: 37302894 PMCID: PMC10589461 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2023.04.003] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This publication is an update of the "Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology" published in 2019, considering the novel, targeted-oriented systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The initial recommendations of the current consensus for systemic treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis were based on a recent review of scientific published data and a consensus was reached after voting. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology invited 31 experts from all regions of Brazil and 2 international experts on atopic dermatitis who fully contributed to the process. The methods included an e-Delphi study to avoid bias, a literature search and a final consensus meeting. The authors added novel approved drugs in Brazil and the indication for phototherapy and systemic therapy for AD. The therapeutical response to systemic treatment is hereby reported in a suitable form for clinical practice and is also part of this updated manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Leao Orfali
- Department of Dermatology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Lorenzini
- Department of Dermatology, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Aline Bressan
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anber Ancel Tanaka
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitário Evangélico Mackenzie, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - André da Silva Hirayama
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andréa Machado Coelho Ramos
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carolina Contin Proença
- Dermatology Clinic, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Gleison Duarte
- Department of Dermatology, Instituto Bahiano de Imunoterapia, Salvador, BH, Brazil
| | - Gunter Hans Filho
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitário Maria Aparecida Pedrossian, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Heitor de Sá Gonçalves
- Department of Health, National Reference Center in Sanitary Dermatology Dona Libânia, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ligia Pessoa de Melo
- Department of Dermatology, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, PE, Brazil; Health Department, Hospital Otávio de Freitas, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luna Azulay-Abulafia
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Professor Rubem David Azulay Institute of Dermatology, Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Cecília Rivitti-Machado
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Dermatology, Universidade Metropolitana de Santos, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Colombini Zaniboni
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marília Ogawa
- Department of Dermatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mario Cezar Pires
- Department of Dermatology, Complexo Hospitalar Padre Bento, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil; Department of Dermatology, State Public Servant Hospital, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayra Ianhez
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Department of Dermatology, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Renan Bonamigo
- Department of Dermatology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Roberto Takaoka
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosana Lazzarini
- Dermatology Clinic, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Silmara Cestari
- Department of Dermatology, Teaching and Research Institute of Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Tania Cestari
- Department of Dermatology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Phyllis I Spuls
- Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Infection and Immunity, The Netherlands
| | - Louise A A Gerbens
- Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Infection and Immunity, The Netherlands
| | - Valeria Aoki
- Department of Dermatology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Bhargava M, Kopp CR, Naidu S, Dhibar DP, Saroch A, Khadwal A, Narang T, Jain S, Khullar A, Leishangthem B, Sharma A, Kumar S, Sharma S, Jain S, Dhir V. Comparison of two doses of leucovorin in severe low-dose methotrexate toxicity - a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:82. [PMID: 37208770 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03054-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a commonly used antidote for severe toxicity with low-dose methotrexate, but its optimum dose is unclear, varying from 15 to 25 mg every 6-h. METHODS Open-label RCT included patients with severe low-dose (≤ 50 mg/week) methotrexate toxicity defined as WBC ≤ 2 × 10^9/L or platelet ≤ 50 × 10^9/L and randomized them to receive either usual (15 mg) or high-dose (25 mg) intravenous leucovorin given every 6-h. Primary outcome was mortality at 30-days and secondary outcomes were hematological recovery and mucositis recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CTRI/2019/09/021152. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients were included, most with underlying RA who had inadvertently overdosed MTX (taken daily instead of weekly). At randomization, the median white blood and platelet count were 0.8 × 10^9/L and 23.5 × 10^9/L. 19 patients each were randomized to receive either usual or high-dose leucovorin. Number (%) of deaths over 30-days was 8 (42) and 9 (47) in usual and high-dose leucovorin groups (Odds ratio 1.2, 95% CI 0.3 to 4.5, p = 0.74). On Kaplan-Meier, there was no significant difference in survival between the groups (hazard ratio 1.1, 95% CI 0.4 to 2.9, p = 0.84). On multivariable cox-regression, serum albumin was the only predictor of survival (hazard ratio 0.3, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.9, p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in hematological or mucositis recovery between the two groups. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in survival or time-to hematological recovery between the two doses of leucovorin. Severe low-dose methotrexate toxicity carried a significant mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudit Bhargava
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Chirag Rajkumar Kopp
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Shankar Naidu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Deba Prasad Dhibar
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Atul Saroch
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Alka Khadwal
- Department of Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Tarun Narang
- Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Siddharth Jain
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Aastha Khullar
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Bidya Leishangthem
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Aman Sharma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Susheel Kumar
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Shefali Sharma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Sanjay Jain
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Varun Dhir
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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Parvathaneni A, Olesen A, Diven D. Comment on: "Methotrexate Cutaneous Ulceration: A Systematic Review of Cases". Am J Clin Dermatol 2023; 24:487-489. [PMID: 37062793 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00773-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Parvathaneni
- College of Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Adam Olesen
- Ascension Medical Group Dermatology, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Dayna Diven
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
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Hamed KM, Dighriri IM, Baomar AF, Alharthy BT, Alenazi FE, Alali GH, Alenazy RH, Alhumaidi NT, Alhulayfi DH, Alotaibi YB, Alhumaidan SS, Alhaddad ZA, Humadi AA, Alzahrani SA, Alobaid RH. Overview of Methotrexate Toxicity: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e29518. [PMID: 36312688 PMCID: PMC9595261 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is significantly more effective than and has a considerable advantage over placebo in patients with severe and persistent rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The drug is used to treat a variety of malignant disorders (leukemia and cancer of the lung, breast, and uterus) and ectopic pregnancy. As its side effects are outweighed by its effectiveness, MTX is a first-line antirheumatic drug in many countries. MTX is found in extracellular compartments, such as the synovium, as well as other organs, such as the kidney and liver. To improve treatment, increase adherence, and decrease mortality in MTX therapy, it is essential to reduce its toxicity and understand its side effects. Therefore, this comprehensive review was conducted to assist physicians and researchers in better understanding the toxicity of MTX and how to deal with this toxicity. MTX is eliminated via the kidneys, which are capable of excretion and reabsorption within the renal tubules. Although higher doses of MTX (known as high-dose MTX (HD-MTX), defined as doses of 500 mg/m2 or greater) are often more beneficial, they can produce toxicity and side effects such as bone marrow suppression, pulmonary toxicity, nephrotoxicity, hematologic toxicity, and an increased risk of infections. Treatment of severe MTX toxicity has three main goals: clearance of MTX from the bloodstream, folinic acid therapy, and organ treatment. Leucovorin is highly beneficial in preventing myelosuppression, gastric toxicity, and neurotoxic effects after HD-MTX therapy. The preferred antidote for MTX poisoning is folinic acid. Glucarpidase has been licensed for the treatment of high plasma MTX levels of >1 μmol/L in patients with compromised renal function who have delayed MTX elimination. In patients with renal deficiency, a lower initial dose is considered with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30 and 59 mL/minute. These patients need to be monitored, and a more gradual dosage increase and a lower weekly maximum should be considered regarding their general health situation. MTX is contraindicated in patients with RA if the eGFR is <30 mL/minute.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Baidaa T Alharthy
- Pharmaceutical Care, General Network for Healthcare Providers Hospital, Jeddah, SAU
| | | | | | - Rawan H Alenazy
- General Medicine and Surgery, Northern Border University, Arar, SAU
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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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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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