Accelerated nodulosis during methotrexate therapy for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

J Pediatr. 1996 May;128(5 Pt 1):698-700. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(96)80139-9.

Abstract

We describe two patients with rheumatoid factor-positive, polyarticular-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in whom accelerated nodulosis developed during methotrexate therapy. Although they had only a few nodules at diagnosis, the nodules increased in number and size 3 to 4 months after the start of methotrexate therapy in both patients. The nodules regressed after withdrawal of methotrexate therapy in one patient and were arrested with the addition of hydroxychloroquine in the other. Physicians treating patients with methotrexate for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis must be aware of this extraarticular side effect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Rheumatoid Factor / blood
  • Rheumatoid Nodule / chemically induced*
  • Rheumatoid Nodule / drug therapy

Substances

  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Rheumatoid Factor
  • Methotrexate