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Oral MTX (oral + mtx)
Selected AbstractsDisseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy following low-dose oral methotrexateEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2007S. Raghavendra Leukoencephalopathy is a recognized complication with intrathecal or intravenous methotrexate (MTX). We report a 59-year-old lady who developed MTX leukoencephalopathy with long-term low-dose oral MTX. She developed posterior leukoencephalopathy (PLE) that initially was reversible on discontinuation of oral MTX. Four months later, she developed disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy (DNL), and was left with devastating neurological deficits. The sequential conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), MR perfusion (MRP) and MR spectroscopic (MRS) changes are highlighted in this report. MRP and MRS showed more wide spread abnormalities than DWI. Stereotactic biopsy from the lesion revealed demyelination with macrophagic infiltration, pericapillary lymphomononucear aggregation, fibrinoid changes in the capillaries and neovascularization. Of the two cases of PLE with oral MTX reported in literature, one reversed clinically and radiologically with the discontinuation of MTX. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of DNL following oral MTX in the world literature. [source] Methotrexate polyglutamate concentrations are not associated with disease control in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving long-term methotrexate therapy,ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 2 2010Lisa K. Stamp Objective There are limited data suggesting that methotrexate polyglutamate (MTXGlu) concentrations can guide MTX dosing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to define a therapeutic range of red blood cell (RBC) MTXGlun concentrations (where n refers to the number of glutamate groups), including threshold values for efficacy and adverse effects in patients receiving long-term oral MTX treatment. Methods A cross-sectional study of 192 patients receiving oral MTX was undertaken. Disease activity was assessed by the swollen and tender joint counts, the C-reactive protein level, and the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). High disease activity was defined as a DAS28 of >3.2. A standardized questionnaire regarding common MTX adverse effects was completed. Results The MTX dosage was significantly higher in patients in whom the swollen joint count and DAS28 were higher. The MTXGlu4, MTXGlu5, MTXGlu3,5, and MTXGlu1,5 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with high disease activity. After correction for age, the estimated glomerular filtration rate, and the MTX dosage, the association remained significant for MTXGlu5. RBC folate concentrations were significantly higher in the group with high disease activity. There was no association between any MTXGlun concentration and adverse effects. Conclusion In contrast to other studies, the results of the present study did not show a relationship between the MTXGlun concentration and reduced disease activity in patients with RA who were receiving long-term MTX therapy. However, disease activity was influenced by the RBC folate level, which may be a more important factor than MTXGlun concentrations for disease control. In accordance with the findings of previous studies, we were unable to show a relationship between MTXGlun concentrations and adverse effects. Prospective studies will be important to determine whether there is a role for measuring MTXGlun concentrations in patients receiving long-term treatment with MTX. [source] Determinants of red blood cell methotrexate polyglutamate concentrations in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving long-term methotrexate treatment,ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2009Lisa K. Stamp Objective Methotrexate (MTX) is the most commonly used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MTX is transported into cells, where additional glutamate moieties are added and it is retained as MTX polyglutamates (MTXGlu [referred to as a group as MTXGlun]). There is large interpatient variability in MTXGlun concentrations. This study was undertaken to determine nongenetic factors that influence red blood cell (RBC) MTXGlun concentrations in patients receiving long-term stable low-dose oral MTX. Methods One hundred ninety-two patients receiving long-term oral MTX for the treatment of RA were recruited. Trough MTXGlun concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Univariate analysis was performed to determine variables influencing MTXGlun concentrations. Backward stepwise multivariate regression analysis was done to determine variables that affect individual MTXGlun concentrations; variables with P values of <0.1 in the univariate analysis for any MTXGlun were included. Results Univariate analysis revealed that increased age, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), higher MTX dosage, longer duration of MTX treatment, and use of prednisone were associated with significantly higher MTXGlun concentrations. Smokers had significantly lower concentrations of MTXGlu3, MTXGlu3,5, and MTXGlu1,5. Sex, rheumatoid factor and anti,cyclic citrullinated peptide status, RBC folate level, and body mass index had no significant effect on MTXGlun levels. Concomitant use of other DMARDs was associated with lower MTXGlu2 levels, and treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs was associated with lower MTXGlu3 and MTXGlu1,5 concentrations. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, MTX dosage, and estimated GFR were the major determinants of MTXGlun concentrations. Conclusion Large interpatient variability in MTXGlun concentrations can be explained, at least in part, by a combination of factors, particularly age, MTX dosage, and renal function. There are complex interactions between smoking, RBC folate levels, and concentrations of MTXGlun. [source] Pharmacokinetics of oral methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis,ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 11 2008Judith M. Dalrymple Objective There is evidence supporting a therapeutic range for methotrexate polyglutamate (MTXGlu) concentrations in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of MTXGlu1,5 is required for optimal timing of blood sampling. The aim of this study was to determine the time to steady state and the half-life of accumulation of red blood cell (RBC) MTXGlu1,5 in patients with RA commencing oral MTX, and the time for RBC MTXGlu1,5 to become undetectable and the half-life of elimination of RBC MTXGlu1,5 in patients ceasing treatment with oral MTX. Methods Ten patients beginning treatment and 10 patients stopping treatment with low-dose oral MTX were recruited. Blood samples were initially collected weekly, with gradual extension to monthly collection over the study period. RBC MTXGlu1,5 concentrations were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results were analyzed using a first-order exponential method. Results The median times to reach steady state in RBCs (defined as 90% of the maximum concentration) were 6.2, 10.6, 41.2, 149, and 139.8 weeks, respectively, for MTXGlu1, MTXGlu2, MTXGlu3, MTXGlu4, and MTXGlu5. The median half-life of accumulation for RBC MTXGlu1,5 ranged from 1.9 weeks to 45.2 weeks. The median times for MTXGlus to become undetectable in RBCs were 4.5, 5.5, 10, 6, and 4 weeks, respectively, for MTXGlu1, MTXGlu2, MTXGlu3, MTXGlu4, and MTXGlu5. The median half-life of elimination for RBC MTXGlu1,5 ranged from 1.2 weeks to 4.3 weeks. Conclusion There is wide interpatient variability of RBC MTXGlu1,5 accumulation and elimination in adults with RA. These data also suggest that after a dose change, >6 months are required for RBC MTXGlu1,5 to reach steady state. Such delays in achieving steady state suggest that more rapid dose escalation or subcutaneous administration from the outset should be considered. [source] Comparison of etanercept and methotrexate, alone and combined, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Two-year clinical and radiographic results from the TEMPO study, a double-blind, randomized trialARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 4 2006Désirée van der Heijde Objective To evaluate the efficacy, including radiographic changes, and safety of etanercept and methotrexate (MTX), used in combination and alone, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in whom previous treatment with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug other than MTX had failed. Methods Patients with RA were treated with etanercept (25 mg subcutaneously twice weekly), oral MTX (up to 20 mg weekly), or combination therapy with etanercept plus MTX through a second year, in a double-blinded manner. Clinical response was assessed using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and the Disease Activity Score (DAS), in a modified intent-to-treat analysis with the last observation carried forward (LOCF) and in a population of completers. Radiographs of the hands, wrists, and forefeet were scored for erosions and joint space narrowing at annual intervals. Results A total of 503 of 686 patients continued into year 2 of the study. During the 2 years, significantly fewer patients receiving combination therapy withdrew from the study (29% of the combination therapy group, 39% of the etanercept group, and 48% of the MTX group). Both the LOCF and the completer analyses yielded similar results. The ACR 20% improvement (ACR20), ACR50, and ACR70 responses and the remission rates (based on a DAS of <1.6) were significantly higher with combination therapy than with either monotherapy (P < 0.01). Similarly, improvement in disability (based on the Health Assessment Questionnaire) was greater with combination therapy (P < 0.01). The combination therapy group showed significantly less radiographic progression than did either group receiving monotherapy (P < 0.05); moreover, radiographic progression was significantly lower in the etanercept group compared with the MTX group (P < 0.05). For the second consecutive year, overall disease progression in the combination therapy group was negative, with the 95% confidence interval less than zero. Adverse events were similar in the 3 treatment groups. Conclusion Etanercept in combination with MTX reduced disease activity, slowed radiographic progression, and improved function more effectively than did either monotherapy over a 2-year period. No increase in toxicity was associated with combination treatment with etanercept plus MTX. [source] An open-label, dose-ranging study of methotrexate for moderate-to-severe adult atopic eczemaBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007S.C. Weatherhead Summary Background, Treatment options for moderate-to-severe atopic eczema are limited. Although methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used and effective treatment for psoriasis, there have been no previous prospective trials of its use in refractory atopic eczema, despite a few small, retrospective reports suggesting that it is a well-tolerated and effective treatment. Objectives, We have assessed the safety and efficacy of oral MTX in 12 adults with moderate-to-severe atopic eczema in an open-label, dose-ranging, prospective trial using objective outcome measures. Methods, All patients had previously received other second-line therapies and had disease only partially responsive to potent topical steroids and emollients. During the 24-week MTX treatment period, unrestricted use of standard topical therapy was permitted. We used an incremental MTX dose regime, starting at 10 mg per week (following a 5-mg test dose) and increasing by 2·5 mg weekly until response was achieved or treatment was limited by toxicity. Disease activity [six area six sign atopic dermatitis (SASSAD) score] was assessed every 4 weeks during treatment and 12 weeks after stopping MTX. The primary endpoint was 24-week change in disease activity. Results, On average, disease activity improved by 52% from baseline (95% confidence interval 45,60%). There were significant improvements in quality of life, body surface area affected and loss of sleep and itch scores. Global response was rated as ,marked improvement' in five of 12 and six of 12 patients, by investigators and patients, respectively. In all patients, the majority of improvement in disease activity was seen by week 12, and, interestingly, patients who had not responded well over this period despite reaching a dose of 15 mg weekly failed to improve with further dose escalation. Only one patient withdrew due to minor adverse effects. MTX was well tolerated by the remaining 11 patients, all of whom completed treatment, achieving a median dose of 15 mg weekly. Importantly, eight of nine patients had a persistent improvement 12 weeks after stopping MTX, with mean disease activity remaining 34% below baseline. Conclusions, We have shown that MTX is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic eczema, and response appears to compare favourably with other second-line therapies. A randomized, controlled trial is now warranted. [source] | ||||||||||