Methotrexate for the treatment of chronic corticosteroid-dependent asthma

The role and adverse effects of methotrexate in the treatment of chronic corticosteroid-dependent asthma are discussed. Methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist that has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of arthritis. It also appears to be effective in reducing the corticosteroid requirements in patients with chronic corticosteroid-dependent asthma, a use that was first reported in 1986. Studies of this use of methotrexate in adults support a trial of methotrexate in patients with severe asthma who have been unable to discontinue corticosteroid use despite aggressive management of their asthma and who are experiencing severe corticosteroid toxicity. Experience with methotrexate in children with asthma is limited to case series. Adverse effects associated with the use of methotrexate for treatment of corticosteroid-dependent asthma include nausea, elevated serum aminotransferase, diarrhea, and thinning of hair. While methotrexate appears to reduce corticosteroid requirements in patients with chronic corticosteroid-dependent asthma, its role in asthma therapy still needs to be clarified.