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Methotrexate established as safe and effective treatment option for RA patients

Methotrexate established as safe and effective treatment option for RA patients Methotrexate established as safe and effective treatment option for RA patients
Methotrexate established as safe and effective treatment option for RA patients Methotrexate established as safe and effective treatment option for RA patients

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Methotrexate remains the choice of treatment for RA patients as it significantly reduced inflammation, disease activity and risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with RA.

A recent study by Kumar et al, published in Current Orthopaedic Practice found methotrexate (MTX) as a safe and effective choice of treatment among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.  

Various therapeutic modalities are used for controlling the RA disease activity, but each of them suffers from various advantages and limitations. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and toxicity of MTX on liver and lipid functions in selected RA patients and controls.

The study included patients with RA who receiving MTX therapy who underwent a long-term follow-up. Various parameters like analysis of lipid parameters, inflammatory markers as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), essential mineral accumulation, and liver and kidney function test were analyzed in the control and patient groups.

The study results showed reduced levels of hemoglobin in RA patients, whereas ESR, CRP and pain on the visual analog scale (VAS) were significantly higher when compared to controls.  Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and uric acid levels were found within the normal range. A significant reduction in serum magnesium and higher values for zinc, phosphorous, and copper were also observed in RA patients. They were found to have a borderline dyslipidemia.

Overall, the results were conclusive that MTX can be a safe and effective for the treatment of RA. The liver function test of RA patients was normal but patients experienced disturbances in mineral accumulation, suggesting the need for mineral evaluation and supplementation, especially of magnesium in RA patients. The treatment was helpful in reducing inflammation and the activity of the disease and was effective for lipid parameters that in turn reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Source:

Current Orthopaedic Practice

Article:

Methotrexate as effective and safe choice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Authors:

Kumar et al.

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