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Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases logoLink to Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
. 1993 Aug;52(8):582–585. doi: 10.1136/ard.52.8.582

Methotrexate osteopathy in rheumatic disease.

S J Preston 1, T Diamond 1, A Scott 1, M R Laurent 1
PMCID: PMC1005115  PMID: 8215620

Abstract

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether two adults with stress fractures receiving low weekly doses of methotrexate had methotrexate osteopathy. CASE REPORTS--Two adult patients developed features consistent with methotrexate osteopathy while receiving low weekly doses of methotrexate. METHODS--Iliac crest biopsy samples were taken and bone histomorphometry carried out. RESULTS--Symptoms resolved when the methotrexate was discontinued. Bone histology showed changes consistent with osteoblast inhibition by methotrexate. CONCLUSIONS--When given in low doses for prolonged periods, methotrexate may have adverse effects on bone, particularly in post-menopausal women.

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Selected References

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