Methotrexate-associated, early-onset pancytopenia in rheumatoid arthritis

Arch Intern Med. 1989 Jun;149(6):1430-1.

Abstract

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis presented with pancytopenia 3 weeks after initiation of low-dose methotrexate administered orally. She had minimal renal insufficiency and hypoalbuminemia prior to initiation of methotrexate therapy, and had received a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug concurrently. Bone marrow recovery occurred within 3 weeks. Patients receiving low-dose methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis require early monitoring for bone marrow injury, especially those who have risk factors for possible methotrexate toxicity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Methotrexate