FRI0050 Patients with rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate. cases of aplastic anaemia. follow up of fourteen years

Abstract

Background Methotrexate has been recognised as one of the main therapeutic agents used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However some of the adverse effects of low-dose methotrexate therapy and in particular pancytopenia have caused major concern. Objectives The aim was to describe our experience of long-term follow up of patients with RA treated with low-dose methotrexate, in particular in reference to the appearance of pancytopenia. Methods During the last 14 years 528 RA patients were treated with methotrexate 7.5-15 mg/week by the Rheumatology Department. These patients were followed up by the Rheumatology Department and they had a complete laboratory evaluation and clinical examination in regular intervals. Results In 528 RA patients treated with low-dose methotrexate therapy over a period of 14 years 4 cases of aplastic anaemia were diagnosed (0.76%). In these patients the white cell count, platelet count, haemoglobin and haematocrit values decreased.