Table 4.
Predictors of ALT > 1.5× upper limit of normal after commencing MTXa
| Predictor | Univariate OR (95% CI) | Adjustedb OR (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|
| Elevated ALT beforec MTX treatment | 6.3 (2.8‐14.1) | 6.8 (2.2‐20.5) |
| Female sex | 4.5 (1.7‐12.0) | 5.7 (1.7‐19.7) |
| Statin at time of maximum ALT | 1.0 (0.3‐3.3) | 7.8 (1.4‐42.6) |
| Body mass indexd | 1.1 (1.0‐1.2) | 1.1 (1.0‐1.2) |
| Age at start of MTXd | 1.0 (1.0‐1.0) | 1.0 (0.9‐1.0) |
ALT, alanine aminotransferase; CI, confidence interval; MTX, methotrexate; OR, odds ratio.
a
Assessed in 210 patients; three patients with possible alternate explanations of ALT elevation excluded
b
Variables included in the model: sex, age at MTX start, anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody positivity, rheumatoid factor positivity, MTX maximum dose, body mass index, pre‐known ALT elevation, total units of alcohol per week, smoking, concomitant medications at maximum ALT value, comorbidities during MTX therapy
c
Mean pre‐treatment observation period 1.5 y (0‐379 wk)
d
By increase of 1