Serosal complications of single-agent low-dose methotrexate used in gestational trophoblastic diseases: first reported case of methotrexate-induced peritonitis
1999
Methotrexate and Its Side Effects in Cancer Treatment
Sample size: 168
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Sharma S, Jagdev S, Coleman R E, Hancock B W, Lorigan P C
Primary Institution: YCRC Department of Clinical Oncology, Weston Park Hospital NHS Trust
Hypothesis
What are the serosal complications associated with low-dose methotrexate in gestational trophoblastic diseases?
Conclusion
Low-dose methotrexate can cause serosal complications, with pleurisy being the most common symptom.
Supporting Evidence
- 25% of patients developed serosal symptoms, with pleurisy being the most common complaint.
- 11.9% of patients had severe symptoms that required a change in treatment.
- One patient developed a pericardial effusion and another had severe reversible peritoneal irritation.
Takeaway
When people take a medicine called methotrexate for cancer, some of them might get sick in their chest or belly, but most feel better with simple medicine.
Methodology
Review of toxicity in 168 consecutive patients treated with low-dose methotrexate.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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