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Kidney biopsies in methotrexate-treated psoriatics
H Zachariae1, H E Hansen, H Søgaard
1Department of Dermatology, Marselisborg Hospital, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Dermatologica
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Methotrexate (MTX) treatment in psoriatic patients showed no significant kidney damage in biopsies, even with long-term or high-dose use. Renal structures remained normal, with no signs of impairment observed.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methotrexate (MTX) is a common treatment for psoriasis.
- Long-term MTX use raises concerns about potential kidney toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the renal safety of methotrexate in psoriatic patients.
- To assess kidney biopsy findings in patients with varying MTX exposure.
Main Methods:
- Kidney biopsies were analyzed from 19 psoriatic patients with diverse MTX treatment durations and cumulative doses.
- Histopathological examination and morphometric analysis were performed.
- Clinical and laboratory signs of renal impairment were monitored.
Main Results:
- All biopsies, except one with unrelated renal failure, showed normal renal structures upon routine assessment.
- Semiquantitative analysis revealed no significant interstitial fibrosis or arteriolar hyalinosis.
- Morphometric estimation of interstitial volume showed no significant changes.
- No patients exhibited clinical or laboratory evidence of kidney impairment.
Conclusions:
- Long-term methotrexate treatment, even at high cumulative doses, appears safe for the kidneys in psoriatic patients.
- Kidney biopsies in this cohort did not reveal MTX-associated nephrotoxicity.
- Further research may be warranted to confirm these findings in larger populations.