Methotrexate hepatotoxicity in psoriasis. Consideration of liver biopsies at regular intervals

Fibrosis of the liver developed to a degree that contraindicated further treatment with methotrexate in 11 of 43 patients who had been receiving maintenance therapy with methotrexate for psoriasis. Liver biopsy had been performed prior to initiation of methotrexate therapy and was repeated at 12- to 18-month intervals. In this retrospective study, age of the patient and duration of therapy have been found to be significant factors in those patients receiving only the weekly oral dosage schedule. Yearly biopsies of the liver are recommended for patients who receive methotrexate throughout their courses of therapy.